League Leaders Liverpool Hang on against Chelsea to Maintain Winning Record.

Liverpool made it six out of six in The Premier League this season as they beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge 2-1.

Goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino were enough to secure Liverpool’s victory, despite N’Golo Kante’s second half solo goal.

A terrific Trent Alexander-Arnold set piece in the 14th minute broke the deadlock, with his strike rifling past Kepa Arrizabalaga into the top corner of the Spaniard’s goal.

16 minutes later Roberto Firmino found himself in acres of space and managed to head home Andy Robertson’s cross to double their advantage.

However, throughout the first half Chelsea showed glimpses of brilliance, especially when the home side thought they were level with a Cesar Azpilicueta goal, but VAR ruled Mason Mount to be in an offside position.

From the beginning of the second half, it was clear Frank Lampard’s side had been motivated by their manager at half time as N’Golo Kante squirmed his way through The Red’s defence and toe poked his effort past Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian, who was solid throughout the match.

From then on Liverpool defended for most of the half and came under pressure many times, with 19-year-old Mason Mount having the best opportunity to level the score line, but the young Englishman lifted his effort over the cross bar.

With a combination of dominant defending, especially from Virgil Van Dijk and Joel Matip, as well as desperation to clear the ball, Liverpool regained their 5-point lead ahead of Premier League holders Manchester City and have solidified their spot on the top of the table.

Chelsea Hard Done By

After his sides second half performance, Frank Lampard will feel his side have definitely missed out on at least 1 point. Majority of the second half Liverpool had their backs against the wall, and Chelsea created enormous amounts of pressure, which much to their disappointment was being repelled by a strong, alert Liverpool backline.

Their first half showing was decent, and rather than Liverpool’s attacking brilliance outshining their defending, it was Chelsea’s own doing which led to the league leaders scoring.

Unnecessary challenge on Mane to concede the free kick that was dispatched coolly by Alexander-Arnold, and poor marking in their box allowing Firmino his free header opportunity.

If Chelsea had been more clinical with their chances, then the points could’ve easily gone the other way-moments from Abraham early in the first, and late last gasp chances by Mount and Batshuayi will surely be in the minds of the Chelsea fans as they make their way home tonight.

VAR Proves it’s Worth

27 minutes into the first half and Chelsea appeared to have got themselves back into the game with a scrappy finish from club captain Azpilicueta. However, to the joy of the Liverpool fans VAR checked the goal to see that Mason Mount’s left leg was past the Liverpool defensive line, proving the goal was offside.

The decision took no more than 30 seconds and everyone in the ground could easily see why when the graphic was dropped onto the huge electronic screen in Stamford Bridge…much to the disappointment of Frank Lampard.

Concise, calm, but consistent is the feeling I get from the Video Assistant Referee, and if anyone has any complaints then they need to argue the rules of the offside, rather than VAR’s decision.

League Leaders Performing like Possible Winners

“At the end of the day Liverpool didn’t play that well towards the end…United did it all the time when they were winning the league!”

Those were the words of Ex-Arsenal defender Lee Dixon who spoke on NBC after the match concluded, who reminded everyone you don’t have to play to the best of your ability to win games, and that winning games is the most important thing.

It’s early days yet, with it only being matchday six of The Premier League so far (and Liverpool did win their first nine games last season where they finished 2nd), but Liverpool proved they are capable of gaining points through flamboyant football, or holding on till the final whistle.

Man of the Match-Joel Matip

At the start of the season it appeared Matip had lost his place to Joe Gomez, without actually doing anything wrong. But the former Cameroonian international has stepped up his game and is on par with Virgil Van Dijk in quality of performances this season.

The award could’ve gone to either centre back, but since Van Dijk will be attending The Best FIFA Footballing Awards tomorrow for his nomination of FIFA’s Best Men’s Footballer of the year award, it’s only fair to let Matip take get some limelight for his recent excellent performances.