Liverpool dominated possession during the first half, but they found it difficult to break down a resolute Chelsea side, which set themselves up well to deal with the Reds’ rapid attack.
Undeterred by a difficult start, Liverpool sprung out of the traps in the second period and was able to find the opening goal through Sadio Mane. After some neat footwork, Jordan Henderson floated a ball across the box and the Senegalese forward headed into an empty goal.
Liverpool’s lead was doubled shortly after in sensational style. Mohamed Salah evaded Emerson on the right wing, cut inside and unleashed a rocket, which sailed into the top right corner, leaving Kepa Arrizabalaga grasping at thin air.
Eden Hazard had two clear cut opportunities to pull a goal back for Chelsea, but he spurned both, first being denied by the post and then by Alisson. That was as close as it got for the Blues and Liverpool held firm to secure the three points they needed for the match.
By Khadijah Yakubu Ajiya.
