Slot Continues Fine Start – Opta Stats
- Liverpool have achieved 10 victories in their first 11 matches across all competitions this season (L1), marking their highest tally at this stage of a campaign since 1990-91 under Kenny Dalglish, who also managed 10 wins.
- Chelsea are now without a victory in their last 10 encounters with Liverpool across all competitions (D7, L3). The only longer winless streak against the Reds in their history was 11 matches from May 1985 to October 1990.
- Only Pep Guardiola, who won his first 10 matches, has reached 10 wins in all competitions as a Premier League manager in fewer matches than Arne Slot, who secured 10 victories in his first 11 with Liverpool.
- Chelsea recorded a pass completion rate of 88.1%, the highest ever recorded by an away team in a Premier League match at Anfield since 2003-04. The previous record was held by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who achieved 87.8% in October 2022.
18:39 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher at Anfield: “It was a brilliant game. Chelsea more than played their part in it. It almost feels like the first really big game or result for Arne Slot at Anfield.
“We’ve spoken before about the atmosphere, but Anfield really gets going in games like this. Liverpool were under the cosh at times and they needed the Anfield crowd to get them over the line.
“It feels like a really big win, and Arne Slot knows that. Liverpool weren’t at their best, but they found a way to win, and that’s been the hallmark of so many great Liverpool teams in the past.”
18:36 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield: “Both sets of fans applaud and will feel happy with parts of what they saw. Chelsea fans feel their team have done OK, but in the end, it was just too much for them.
“Arne Slot has picked up a team that is further ahead in their development than Chelsea. In terms of game management and quality, Liverpool just had more of it. They deservedly won.”
18:33 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
FT: Liverpool are top of the Premier League and are surely firmly in this title race! This was their toughest test on paper after a soft start, and they’ve dealt with Chelsea.
Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor at Anfield: “Then the Liverpool defence and Kelleher froze as Nkunku nearly got on the end of things at the back post. But the luck was with them as the ball went behind for a goal kick. Still heart in mouth time for a second there.”
18:32 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield: “Curtis Jones is my man of the match. He scored the winner, he’s been the best player on the pitch and has been involved in a lot of Liverpool’s best play.”
18:31 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
90+6‘ CLOSE FROM DIAZ!
90+4‘ CHANCE!! Neto pops up on the right and delivers a delicious ball that takes Van Dijk out of the game. Nkunku is stretching at the back post but can’t reach it, poking it wide.
Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor at Anfield: “Was that Chelsea’s last chance to salvage a point? A free header for Veiga from Palmer’s free kick, and he nods it well over.”
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield: “If he had just got a little touch to it…”
90+3′ CHANCE FOR VEIGA!! Palmer puts it on a sixpence in the middle, and Veiga jumps highest from 10 yards but should do better than punting his header over the crossbar.
90+2‘ Chelsea haven’t had a shot in the last 18 minutes…
YELLOW! Palmer draws a cynical foul off Mac Allister about 35 yards out. He’s into the book. Chance to load the box…
18:28 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
“It’s a chance! He had the right-hand side of the goal to aim at.”
18:26 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
“Gravenberch wins another foul in midfield to keep the scrappy levels high. SEVEN ADDED ON!”
18:24 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
“You always felt chaos could be on the cards late in a game under Klopp. Not Slot. Liverpool are managing this part of the game expertly…”
18:22 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield: “Liverpool are playing sensible football, not taking any chances.”
18:21 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
85′ CORNER! Gomez concedes a needless set piece for Chelsea.
However, there are no real signs of Chelsea throwing everything at Liverpool, as the home side clears the corner with ease.
18:18 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor at Anfield: “Curtis Jones has been good today and leaves the pitch to a standing ovation as he’s replaced by Mac Allister.
“Gomez now on at right back for Alexander Arnold too. That’s all after the most blatant booking you’ll see for Konate as he takes out Nkunku around the halfway line.”
18:17 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield: “Jones has been excellent.”
80′ YELLOW! Konate joins the card party. Nkunku pokes one away from the centre-back who happily wipes him out.
18:14 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
78′ YELLOW! Diaz tries to explode away on the counter but is met by a forceful and cynical block by Veiga. Liverpool managing this game well. Happy with the 2-1 it seems.
18:11 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
75′ FOUL! Badiashile makes a needless foul on the touchline on guess who? Nunez. No love lost there.
SUB! Nkunku is on. Madueke, who drifted out of the game, is off.
Vinny O’Connor at Anfield: “Chelsea creating a chance for Cole Palmer after a few minutes where things have got a bit tetchy. Szoboszlai blocking the shot, whereas it was Jones in the first half. But Nunez has been booked after a running battle with Badiashile. After a bit of a shove, Nunez twice went in with challenges that weren’t the best in the space of seconds. Gravenberch also showing frustration when a free kick was awarded….and Chelsea again showing they are far from out of this one.”
18:09 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
74′ SHOT! Neto has looked lively as he cuts in again off the wing. He decides to shoot from 22 yards, but his low effort lacks power and rolls wide of the post.
18:07 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield:
“Jackson is not happy with Palmer. Should he have taken the shot quicker? I think he is entitled to have a go.”
71′ BLOCK! Chelsea work Palmer into space inside the box, and there’s room for him to squeeze an effort toward goal, but it’s met by a Liverpool shirt.
18:06 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield: “The game is getting scruffy.”
18:05 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield: “He should have booked Nunez for falling to the ground before.”
18:03 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
68′ ARGY BARGY! Nunez leaves a slight foul on Badiashile, who responds by pushing his chest towards him as they square up. Nunez theatrically falls to the ground, but no cards are shown.
YELLOW! In the next phase, Nunez leaves another late challenge on Badiashile, and this time he is carded.
18:01 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
65′ SUB! Diaz comes on for some fresh legs, replacing Gakpo.
18:00 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
64′ OFF THE WALL! Palmer looks to shape a shot into the top corner, but Alexander-Arnold jumps and heads clear from the wall. Good defending there.
17:58 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
63′ CHANCE! Chelsea work the ball to the left, and a deep cross is met by Madueke on the volley from an angle. It’s an easy take for Kelleher.
FOUL! Neto makes a dart inside, and Gravenberch brushes him to the floor. This presents a chance from 25 yards…
17:57 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
Mohamed Salah has now both scored and assisted in 34 separate Premier League matches, with only Wayne Rooney achieving this in more games in Premier League history (36).
17:57 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
61′ SHOT! There will be space for Liverpool on the break here as Gakpo cuts in and unleashes a shot, but it goes wide.
17:56 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
60′ Jones is really making a statement here with his performance. All-action, he wins a tackle in midfield, but Caicedo takes both man and ball, resulting in a foul being given.
No player has made more tackles in the game than Jones, who has also scored and won a penalty.
17:53 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
57′ Liverpool are happy to drop back into their shape again as Chelsea continues to probe for openings…
17:50 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
53′ TRIPLE SUB! Chelsea were planning these changes before the goal. Off go James, Tosin, and Lavia. On come Enzo, Veiga, and Badiashile. Not sure that makes Chelsea stronger, but Maresca is obviously managing the minutes.
17:50 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
Vinny O’Connor, Sky Sports, at Anfield:
“What a response from Liverpool…some ball in from Salah for Curtis Jones. I thought his first touch had got away from him, but he’s still able to get there ahead of Sanchez to knock it past him. The pendulum swings again!”
17:47 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
Gary Neville, Sky Sports, at Anfield:
“Jones has been involved in everything – he has been Liverpool’s best player by a mile!” Neville praises the young midfielder’s significant contribution to Liverpool’s performance.
17:47 | Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea
GOAL!!! Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea (Jones, 52′)
INSTANT RESPONSE!!!!
Liverpool quickly regains the lead, with Jones scoring to put the hosts back in front.
17:46 | Chelsea 1 – 0 Liverpool
Gary Neville, Sky Sports:
“It’s been a really good start by Chelsea to the second half.” Neville notes Chelsea’s positive approach as they seek to turn the match around after the break.
17:45 | Liverpool 1 – 1 Chelsea
GOAL!!!! Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea (Jackson, 49)
THE GOAL IS GIVEN!! JACKSON IS ONSIDE!!!
Jackson finds the net with a well-taken finish, silencing critics who have doubted his finishing ability. Chelsea levels the score, bringing fresh hope to their fans at Anfield.
17:44 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Gary Neville, Sky Sports, at Anfield:
“It’s a brilliant run. I think Chelsea are in business here!” This comment follows an impressive attacking display by Chelsea as they attempt to equalize.
17:44 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Mike Dean, Former Premier League Referee:
“I think the back leg is playing him on. He’s definitely onside.” Dean weighs in on a contentious offside decision during Chelsea’s latest attacking move.
17:43 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Gary Neville, Sky Sports:
“I think he is onside!” Neville echoes Dean’s sentiments, suggesting that Chelsea’s forward may have been correctly positioned to score.
17:43 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
48′ GOAL FOR CHELSEA… RULED OUT!
A dramatic moment unfolds as Moisés Caicedo spots Nicolas Jackson making a run behind Liverpool’s defense. Jackson manages to slide the ball into the net, but the goal is immediately called into question as VAR reviews the play for a potential offside. The atmosphere is tense as fans and players alike await the decision.
17:40 | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
46′ WE ARE BACK!
The second half kicks off with a substitution for Chelsea: Neto replaces Jadon Sancho in an effort to change the game dynamics.
17:40 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Micah Richards, Sky Sports:
“Chelsea have found it difficult to deal with the direct balls through the middle from Liverpool and the numbers they are getting forward. Colwill mistimes it, and it’s a definite penalty.” Richards highlights Chelsea’s defensive struggles as Liverpool continues to press for a second goal.
As the second half progresses, both teams are looking to assert their dominance, with Liverpool holding a narrow lead. The tension is palpable as Chelsea searches for a way back into the match.
17:28 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Chelsea with it all to do… Chelsea failed to record a shot on target in the first half vs Liverpool—the first time they’ve suffered this feat in a Premier League match since facing Arsenal in April. Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 146 home Premier League games when leading at half-time (W133, D13) since losing to Arsenal in December 2009. Additionally, Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 143 Premier League matches when leading at half-time (W130, D13), dating back to December 4, 2016, against AFC Bournemouth (L3-4).
17:26 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor at Anfield: “Chelsea have handled Anfield well. Looked decent for large parts, enjoyed their fair share of the ball without creating too many clear-cut chances. Obviously, Liverpool defend well as their record shows. Notably when Palmer’s effort was blocked and another one before the break where he fired over, while Jackson’s solitary chance was from an extremely difficult angle. On the flip side, Liverpool have done what they’ve needed to do. Looked solid, and when they do get the chance to get forward, they look more threatening and cohesive in the final third. Chelsea maybe a little bit raw at the back at times, but probably got the right break when VAR overturned a second Liverpool penalty award. Long way to go in this one with just one goal separating the two.”
17:25 – Half-Time: Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
17:25 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
50+2‘ YELLOW CARD! Szoboszlai has a little tug on Palmer, then kicks the ball away.
17:23 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield: “It has been a quiet half for Palmer. He hasn’t been involved. He had a bit of space and would have really fancied his chances.”
17:22 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
45+5‘ CLOSE BY PALMER!! Madueke is too quick for Robertson again and pulls one across for Palmer from 12 yards. He strikes one but doesn’t get the accuracy right, skimming the bar.
17:20 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
NO PENALTY! Referee John Brooks comes to the screen and overturns the decision. Sanchez got enough of the ball!
17:18 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
45+2‘ ANOTHER PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL!
17:20 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield: “Sanchez is fortunate if he gets away with it. There is contact with the ball.”
17:19 – 45+2‘: ANOTHER PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL!
17:17 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
45′: Jackson is back on. Five added minutes to the first half.
17:14 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor at Anfield: “Anfield not in a charitable mood this afternoon…the home fans not exactly happy that Konate put the ball out so Jackson could receive treatment after going down with no one around him.”
17:14 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
42′: INJURY! Jackson goes down now complaining of an issue with his knee/lower back. Konate kicks the ball out, but Anfield shows Jackson little sympathy.
17:13 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield: “Jackson has gone down with nobody around him. That doesn’t bode well.”
17:12 – | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
40′ Liverpool look very comfortable sitting deeper and trying to pounce on the break. Salah almost spots Gakpo making a run in behind, but Tosin gets this challenge right.
17:09 | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
37′ SHOT! Szoboszlai now finds space inside the box down the right. He could cross but goes for glory instead. It’s held by Sanchez.
17:05 | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
34′ CHANCE FOR JACKSON!
17:04 | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield: “The most relieved player on the pitch will be the goalkeeper. It is such a poor kick out.”
17:04 | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
32′ BALL IN THE NET FOR LIVERPOOL…RULED OUT! Chelsea are wobbling. Liverpool are sensing blood. Salah escapes down the line—he looks offside. The ball across the box is slid home by Gakpo at the back post, but the flag is correctly raised.
17:03 | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor at Anfield: “Looks like a rib injury for Jota. He’s been feeling it since he was brought down by Tosin when running through. Seemed to be a knee in the ribs that caused the issue. Nunez gets his chance now.”
17:03 | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
31′ CHANCE! Anfield is now at one with their team. They come again down the left and force a corner. Chelsea need to dig in here…
17:02 | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
30′ SUB! Jota is still feeling the effects of that clash earlier. Nunez replaces him.
17:01 | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor at Anfield: “Arne Slot is making the point to 4th official Craig Pawson that James was caught in possession, not fouled. Chelsea immediately create a chance for Palmer that’s blocked. Liverpool go up the other end and claim a penalty that probably wasn’t. Slot is then booked, and moments later, they win a penalty! Colwill can’t believe it’s been given, but it definitely is a penalty… Helter Skelter stuff as the heat in Anfield is turned up, and Salah gives Liverpool the lead from the spot!”
17:00 | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield: “There is absolutely no messing around! He just whacks it!”
17:00 | Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea (Salah pen 29)
GOAL!! THUMP!!! Liverpool score with their first shot. That’s how you do it!
16:58 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean: “He hasn’t played the ball and he’s caught Curtis Jones on the front of his leg, and it won’t be overturned in my opinion. I wouldn’t say so [he was under pressure from the crowd] as he’s an experienced referee, but it’s definitely a penalty kick.”
16:58 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
27′ PENALTY TO LIVERPOOL!! This one is given! Colwill on Jones. The Liverpool man gets the wrong side in the box, and there’s a bit of desperation about the challenge from behind – there is contact. Salah stepping up! Jackson is booked for unsportsmanlike behavior…
16:58 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield: “Why hasn’t Salah been booked? He has thrown himself to the ground.”
16:57 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean: “Salah is looking for a penalty kick. It’s definitely not a penalty. Because he’s put his leg across, there is some contact, but not enough for a penalty – and not enough to say it’s simulation. It’s the right decision in my opinion.”
16:57 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
26′ NO PENALTY! That Palmer chance springs the game into life. Salah beats Colwill into the box and goes down under contact. Anfield screams, but nothing is given.
16:57 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
25′ CHANCE FOR PALMER!! Madueke vs. Robertson is a mismatch. He gets past him again, and his pull-back drops to Palmer about eight yards out, but his effort is blocked away.
16:56 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield: “Robertson is struggling. Madueke has got in his head.”
16:56 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
24′ FOUL! Chelsea have been very good with the ball, but James takes a chance in midfield under pressure from Jota. The ref blows for a foul. Lucky boy, as Jota was away otherwise.
16:56 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield: “The Chelsea midfielders and defenders are all showing confidence, and that’s really important.”
16:55 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor at Anfield: “Signs Chelsea are winning the midfield battle at the moment. Of course, both Caicedo and Lavia could have been Liverpool players under different circumstances. But Chelsea seeing a lot of the ball and territory without carving out a real clear-cut chance so far.”
16:53 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville at Anfield on Chelsea’s penalty shout: “I don’t think it’s enough [for a penalty].”
16:53 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
23′ CROSS! James reminds us all of his quality, whipping a clever ball to the back post, but Alexander-Arnold heads it behind.
16:52 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
21′ The shot count sums up the caginess so far. 0-0.
16:52 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
20′ SANCHEZ! In a moment of indecision, Sanchez takes too long to clear the ball with no immediate threat. His clearance is blocked by Jota, who sends the ball bouncing back towards him. Jeepers Keepers!
16:51 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
19′ It appears Chelsea’s tactic is to target Reece James to test his legs after his return from injury. However, he has handled each challenge strongly in defense so far.
16:50 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Chelsea is finding success down Liverpool’s left side. Andy Robertson appears uneasy as Madueke attacks him, having been easily bypassed moments ago, prompting Robertson to consult Gakpo about tightening their defensive approach.
16:49 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Tosin receives a yellow card for a foul on Diogo Jota, raising the question of whether he could have faced a red card for last-man status.
16:47 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Gary Neville observes that Robertson is not playing like his usual self, as he’s allowing Madueke space instead of pressing him closely, which is unusual for the Liverpool left-back.
16:46 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
14′ Madueke seems to have the upper hand on Robertson, who is struggling. Madueke reaches the byline, but his cross fails to find a target. The message should be to keep feeding him the ball.
16:44 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
12′ Sanchez delivers a 70-yard pass to Sancho, who gets behind Alexander-Arnold. Sancho returns it to Gusto, but the Chelsea player mishits his cross, sending it straight out of play.
16:44 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Sanchez launches a precise 70-yard pass to Sancho, who gets past Alexander-Arnold. Sancho then sets up Gusto, but Gusto, uncomfortable on his left foot, mishits a cross that goes out of play.
16:42 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Vinny O’Connor reports from Anfield that Liverpool fans feel several decisions have gone against them. Tosin’s yellow card for stopping Jota has sparked frustration, with many thinking it should have been a red. Earlier, a challenge on Jota and a potential handball were also not called, adding to the tension.
16:41 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea |
Jota and Caicedo have recovered from knocks, with Liverpool beginning to control the game.
16:40 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Jota receives treatment after a tussle. Nunez is warming up.
16:38 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Gary Neville comments that Tosin was clumsy in his challenge on Jota but escaped a red card due to Colwill’s covering position. Mike Dean agrees, citing uncertainty.
16:38 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Tosin receives a yellow card for stopping Jota, but Colwill’s presence likely saved him from being sent off.
16:37 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Gary Neville notes that Liverpool’s attackers are ready to exploit any Chelsea mistakes.
16:36 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Salah’s cross brushes Lavia’s hand in the box, but no penalty is given. Caicedo is down holding his knee.
16:35 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
Chelsea have dominated possession early on.
16:32 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
James returns to the right-back position with Gusto switching to the left.
16:31 | Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea
The game begins after a tribute to former Liverpool player Peter Cormack.
16:30 | Neville: Anfield the Ultimate Test
Gary Neville believes Anfield is the ultimate test for players, particularly highlighting Nicolas Jackson’s performance.
16:26 | Here come the teams!
Liverpool and Chelsea prepare for their iconic clash at Anfield.
