Liverpool maintained their push for a maiden Premier League title by beating Chelsea 2-0 at Anfield earlier today, a result which sees Jurgen Klopp’s side remain two points clear of Man City at the top of the Premier League tree.
Two second-half goals, a header from Sadio Mane and a long-range Mohamed Salah thunderbolt was enough for Liverpool to seal all three points in a hugely entertaining affair. Let’s see how the players rated…
Alisson 7
A bit loose in possession on a couple of occasions, although he closed down Hazard well when the Belgian was through on goal in the second half, before again denying the Chelsea talisman moments later.
Alexander-Arnold 8
Superb going forward, one of the best crossers and long-range passers England has produced since David Beckham.
Matip 7
Another solid showing from the big centre-back.
Van Dijk 7
Probably not as his usual imperious best, but still an excellent display from the POTY favourite.
Robertson 8
The Scotland international has a phenomenal engine, attacked and defended with aplomb all day.
Henderson 8
Continues to thrive in a more advanced role, beautiful dinked assist for Mane’s opener. A captain’s performance.
Fabinho 8
Distribution and positioning at the base of Liverpool’s midfield was excellent throughout.
Keita 7
Played with a new found confidence after scoring in recent games, and is finally starting to look like the player Reds fans were hoping he would be when he arrived at Anfield last summer.
Salah 9 (MOTM)
Razor sharp throughout and showed his class by blasting an unstoppable long range strike into the top bin to seal the win for his side.
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Roberto Firmino 8
Back to his very best today, link up play and work-rate outstanding.
Mané 8
Once again popped up with the vital opening game, his pace and movement a constant menace throughout.
Substitutes
Milner 7
Brought on to do the dirty work in midfield and that’s exactly what he did.
Wijnaldum 7
Neat and tidy in possession after his introduction, taking the sting out of Chelsea’s efforts to force a comeback.
Shaqiri N/A
No impact.
Chelsea
Arrizabalaga 7
No chance with either goal. Very much the modern day goalkeeper, with his ability to play out from the back off either foot very impressive.
Azpilicueta 7
Had his hands full up against the lighting quick Mane, but the veteran stuck to his task well.
Rüdiger 7
Looked solid, until he was forced off with a knee injury just before half-time.
David Luiz 7
The Brazilian did little wrong all day and one delicious through ball to Willian during the opening 45.
Emerson 6
Can’t fault his effort, but he’ll be happy to see the back of his former Roma teammate Salah, who gave him the run around at times.
Kante 7
Worked tirelessly as always, but came up against an inform Liverpool midfield.
Jorginho 4
Predictably hassled off the ball on several occasions, just not physically durable enough to play centre midfield in the Premier League.
Loftus-Cheek 7
A couple of silky touches, but unable to really affect the game.
Hudson-Odoi 5
It’s not his fault the press have built him up to be second coming of Lionel Messi. This was his actually the 18-year-old’s first ever start in a big Premier League game, and he struggled badly before being hooked.
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Hazard 8
Missed two good chances to get his side back in the game, but was still Chelsea’s best player, and looked a lot more dangerous after moving out to a more natural left wing position.
Willian 5
On his day the Brazilian is a world-class performer, those days have been few and far between this season though, and this was another disappointing display.
Substitutes
Christensen 7
Brought on to replace the injured Rudiger and while he didn’t really do anything wrong, Chelsea never quite looked as solid at the back.
Higuaín 4
Looks nowhere near fit enough to be playing in the English top flight.
Barkley 5
Struggled to have any affect on the game, much to the delight of the Reds Faithful.
