Premier League leaders Liverpool restored their five-point advantage with a 4-1 win over Chelsea on a memorable night for youngster Conor Bradley and a typically frustrating one for Darwin Nunez. With Manchester City beating Burnley and Arsenal winning on Tuesday, victory in the first of their major double-header – a trip to the Emirates is up next – was imperative but Jurgen Klopp’s side could not have expected to have had such a comfortable time.
Goals from Diogo Jota, Bradley – his first for the club – and Dominik Szoboszlai put the game beyond a woeful Chelsea inside 65 minutes but it could have been a rout as Nunez hit the woodwork an incredible four times – once from the penalty spot. Thankfully for Liverpool his input was not needed as there was another star performer in the form of academy graduate Bradley, deputising for Trent Alexander-Arnold who was on the bench as he continued to make his comeback from injury, on only his second league start. Bradley, man of the match against Norwich on Sunday, has been directly involved in six goals in his last four appearances and he deservedly departed to a standing ovation when Alexander-Arnold eventually took over.
Liverpool vs Chelsea team news Player ratings Failed to take charge of the situation as Jota bundled through his weak challenge to score. The 39-year-old was partly to blame for the fourth goal.
The Frenchman was also desperately poor for the goal, forcing Silva to come across to his side, but they failed to resolve the problem together.
He also gave away the penalty, which was missed, but it was a harsh decision.
He then played Darwin onside as he set up Diaz’s fourth—a torrid night. Getty Images Nizaar Kinsella at Anfield At least Nkunku showed promise.
Chelsea were blown away by title contenders Liverpool, who were excellent as they give Jurgen Klopp a prolonged send off. Some concerns about Chelsea’s lack of solidity and defensive mistakes.
FT: Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea Liverpool are five points clear at the top again! Sensational performance, too good for Chelsea. Bradley with a goal and two assists, while Nunez managed to hit the woodwork four times. Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea 90+6 mins: Liverpool are away on the counter, Nunez losing his footing though.
He was eyeing a 12th shot of the match… Reluctantly passes and the chance goes.
Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea 90+5 mins: Nkunku eyeing a second goal, but Konate is on hand to head the ball behind for a corner.
The Blues have just about enough time for a late consolation… Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea 90+3 mins: We’re very much at the stage of the match when Liverpool players are shooting from everywhere.
Gakpo now tries his luck from distance, comfortable save for Petrovic. Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea 90 mins: Six minutes added on.
Chelsea would have snapped your hand off for six seconds.
Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea 88 mins: Klopp has his head in his hands, as Mac Allister stays down after a strong challenge. Midfielder is back on his feet, not moving particularly well. Will have to continue, Liverpool have no more changes to make.
Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea 86 mins: Nunez, now on 11 shots in the match, in behind, but Petrovic reads the pass well and flies off his line to gather.
It’s all Liverpool again now, Chelsea’s race is run. Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea 83 mins: Clark is on for Jones. Appreciate Klopp keeping Nunez on.
We all deserve more entertainment. Reminder that he has hit the woodwork four times tonight. Yes, that is a record.
