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Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea – Premier League Player Ratings

The Premier League came roaring back with a Super Sunday encounter between two English powerhouses.

The line up and subsequent ratings are listed below.

Caoimhin Kelleher – 7.0

The Irish backup stopper started this game with his Brazilian teammate, Alisson Becker, sidelined with an ongoing hamstring injury. From the outset, the highly skilled keeper was steady and commanding of his area, as Chelsea probed and penetrated his 18-yard-box frequently.

After the intermission, the 25-year-old was solid and dependable against a team desperate to grab another equalizer. Could do nothing for the goal conceded.

Trent Alexander Arnold – 8.0

The England superstar has been prominent in the headlines this week, with his dwindling contract seeing him linked consistently with a move to Real Madrid. Today, against the blues of West London, the homegrown hero was very calm and composed in his defensive duties, as the first half needed good decisions off the ball. On the ball, the explosive fullback was as incisive as ever, with the correct choice often carried out with distinction.

Following the half time break, the vice-captain was again a solid citizen in the backline and his performance was impressive throughout.

Subbed – 81 mins

Andy Robertson – 8.0

The Scotland international captain was reliable from a positional sense, as the more defensive fullback for the reds. His inability to firmly clear the ball in the first half nearly created problems for his side, as the visitors looked to target his flank. A last-ditch tackle to stop the cross late on was impressive.

In the second half of this game, the popular fullback was very good and combative in his work, as he put his body in the way of incoming attacks to ensure his side got over the line.

Ibrahima Konaté – 8.0

The France international defender was bullish and combative, as he revelled in the battle with the blues. The first half needed good decision making throughout, which the interim French captain achieved with maturity.

After the half time team talk, the former RB Leipzig man mountain was unlucky in playing on the Chelsea striker, Nicolas Jackson, on side for the equaliser. That minor mishap was the only misstep, as the 6ft 4inch defender was dominating in his work.

Virgil van Dijk – 9.0

The captain and leader of this team was impenetrable in the first half, as he rallied and organised his troops against an impressive Chelsea attack. His clearances and control off the defensive line was a constant reminder of his brilliance, as he led his side to a half time lead.

After the break, the former Southampton skipper was guilty of stepping out too soon, allowing the equaliser to come shortly after the restart. From that point onwards, the rearguard leader was unflappable and as dominating as his fellow central defender.

Ryan Gravenberch – 8.0

The Duch midfielder was a confident outlet to receive the ball from his backline, as the cagey first period of play did not allow for too much rhythm in the home team’s patterns of play.

As the encounter resumed, the 6ft 3inch midfielder was very important in regain control of the middle area, as he used his frame and physicality to ensure that area was not overrun.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0

The Hungarian skipper was lively if largely ineffective through a tightly contested opening 45-minutes. His energy and pressing was key to gaining back the ball in that period, as the game state shifted between two tactically astute sides. The free scoring international should have scored late in that half, after being set free by his wide man, Cody Gakpo.

After the halftime team talk, the dynamo in midfield was energetic and despite some opportunities to score, his tank was emptied through continual off ball work.

Photo: IMAGO

⭐ Curtis Jones – 9.0 (Man of the Match)

The England under-21 European champion started this game in place of the Argentina World Cup winner, Alexis Mac Allister, who was not risked due to a long-haul flight and suspected ailment. The former academy graduate was progressive and responsible in the first half, as he formed a steady double pivot partnership with his teammate, Ryan Gravenberch. His smart positioning allowed for the first penalty, whereas a second spot kick was nearly won by the no.23 late in that half.

In the second period, the versatile midfielder was brilliant and grabbed the winning goal with yet another superb run into the box.

Subbed – 81 mins

Cody Gakpo – 7.0

The Dutch flyer was unlucky not to double the reds initial 1-0 advantage, only for his goal to be pulled back for a Mohamed Salah offside. His wide berth and power were often used sparingly, as his side opted to be the counter attacking team.

As the game resumed, the wide man was a little out of the game, as the tactical battle continued with that forever slight margin.

Subbed – 66 mins

Diogo Jota – 6.0

The Portuguese poacher was an off the shoulder menace that succumbed to injury due to a foul, as he looked to run free.

Subbed – 30 mins

Mohamed Salah – 8.0

The Egyptian King was a constant first half outlet and danger right up until the opening goal, which he dispatched from the penalty spot with aplomb. With some tight marking and doubling up on the record-breaking attacker, his moments were limited in a tactical first period

After the break, the former Chelsea man was able to deliver a perfect assist for Curtis Jones, as his team then looked to game manage his way throughout the remainder of the game.

Photo: IMAGO

Substitutions:

Darwin Núñez – 7.0 (on 30)

Came on to add more power and an increased ability to hold up the ball. Ran the channels well.

Luis Díaz – 7.0 (on 66)

Came on to add something different and drain the ticking clock.

Joe Gomez – 8.0 (on 79)

Came on to add experience and increase the defensive reliability.

Alexis Mac Allister – 7.0 (on 81)

Came on and did everything to control the final stages in tense situations.

The Manager:

Arne Slot – 9.0

The Dutch manager was firm in the starting eleven and chose those best equipped to combat a well-prepared Chelsea team. The enforced substitution of Diogo Jota will be a lingering concern, however, the introduction of his Uruguayan raging bull, Darwin Núñez, will have pleased him in a tight and unpredictable first half.

All the substitutions made a good impression and the latter game management on the pitch was well engineered.

Another impressive performance.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

Liverpool 2 – 1 Chelsea

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