Mohamed Salah delivered another match-winning performance as Liverpool defeated Chelsea 2-1 at Anfield, reclaiming the top spot in the Premier League. Despite a spirited effort from the Blues, Salah’s penalty and assist for Curtis Jones ensured the Reds secured their seventh win in eight league matches.
Liverpool reclaimed their place at the top of the Premier League table with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday, thanks to Mohamed Salah’s match-defining contributions. In a game that showcased both sides’ potential for the future, it was Salah—whose legacy in English football is firmly established—who proved to be the difference once again.
Salah, while not at his devastating best, was pivotal in both of Liverpool’s goals. The 32-year-old forward opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 29th minute after Curtis Jones was fouled by Levi Colwill. It was Salah’s 162nd Premier League goal, tying him with Jermain Defoe for ninth on the all-time scorers’ list. His goal also marked the 34th time in his career that he registered both a goal and an assist in a single Premier League match, trailing only Wayne Rooney (36).
Liverpool’s second goal came just six minutes after Chelsea had equalized through Nicolas Jackson, who finished expertly after a well-timed pass from Moisés Caicedo. Salah, once again involved, delivered a sublime cross that Jones converted in the 51st minute to restore the home side’s lead. Despite Chelsea’s pressure in the closing stages, Liverpool held firm, with manager Arne Slot making defensive adjustments that ensured the Reds’ seventh win in eight league games.
Slot, who has quickly settled into the daunting task of replacing Jurgen Klopp, praised Salah’s work rate, particularly his defensive contributions. “He is important for us, for the numbers he has but it was a bit of a funny remark after the game, I said to Trent [Alexander-Arnold] ‘you have some competition now’ because I saw today that Mo can play as a right full-back as well,” Slot said afterwards. “So the defensive effort he put in today to help the team in that part is what pleased me just as much as his goal and assist.”
Chelsea, under new manager Enzo Maresca, had their moments and will take encouragement from a performance that saw them dominate possession and create several chances. The Blues had more touches in the opposition box than any Premier League team in the past four years during the first half, but they lacked the cutting edge to capitalize on their superiority.
“We don’t like losing games, dropping points but if you have to decide the way, then this is probably the way,” Maresca said afterwards. “I’ve been in the stadium many times and have seen Liverpool for a long time — it’s not easy. I think overall, we controlled the game and for most parts of the game we dominated the game, but we lost.”
Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s 22-year-old forward, showed flashes of brilliance but was unable to replicate Salah’s decisive impact, missing key opportunities to influence the game.
Despite the result, Maresca remained positive about Chelsea’s progress. “We controlled the game for long periods and dominated in parts, but it wasn’t enough. We don’t like losing, but if we have to, this is the way,” he said after the match.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will be buoyed by their resilience and the continued brilliance of Salah, whose seven goals in 11 appearances across all competitions this season underscore his importance to Slot’s evolving side. With new contract negotiations looming as Salah’s current deal approaches its final six months, his performances will only add urgency to Liverpool’s desire to secure his future.
As the Reds continue to tweak their approach under Slot, the win against Chelsea offers a promising glimpse of a team blending tactical adaptability with the individual brilliance of a player like Salah. Liverpool’s next challenge is to maintain their momentum at the top of the table, while Chelsea, still in transition, must address their defensive vulnerabilities if they are to push for higher positions in the league.
“The better the teams you face the more you need [fight],” Slot said. “In the Premier League, there are so many good teams so if you want to win at least you need to fight and then hopefully the individuals can make the difference.”
For now, Salah’s enduring ability to deliver in the big moments remains Liverpool’s greatest asset.
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