SPORTS: Liverpool thrash Chelsea to top league table

Liverpool reaffirmed their Premier League title ambitions by defeating Chelsea 2-1 at Anfield, reclaiming the top spot in the league. Mohamed Salah scored from the penalty spot, and Curtis Jones netted the winner, marking Liverpool’s impressive record of 10 wins in 11 games since Arne Slot took over.

Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson equalized briefly in the second half, but this defeat marked their first league loss since the opening weekend against Manchester City. Liverpool is now one point ahead of City and four clear of Arsenal, whom they will face next weekend.

Despite the loss, Chelsea showed promise with a performance that challenged Liverpool significantly. Slot opted to rest key South American players like Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Nunez, allowing Jones to shine in only his second league start this season, as he won the penalty and scored.

Early in the match, Chelsea escaped a red card when Tosin Adarabioyo brought down Diogo Jota, which mirrored a recent incident involving Arsenal. Chelsea then found their rhythm and controlled possession, but Liverpool’s counter-attacks remained dangerous. Salah assisted Jones, who was fouled by Levi Colwill, leading to Salah’s successful penalty.

Cody Gakpo nearly scored moments later, but Salah was offside during the build-up. Chelsea’s Jackson nearly threatened the goal before halftime, hitting the post. Just after the break, Jackson equalized with a well-placed shot after a VAR review confirmed he was onside.

However, Jones quickly restored Liverpool’s lead by finishing Salah’s cross. Chelsea pressured Liverpool for the final 40 minutes but struggled to create significant chances for an equalizer, with late attempts falling short.