Liverpool Reclaims Top Spot in EPL with 2-1 Victory Over Chelsea

Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday. Manager Arne Slot described the match as the "hardest test" since taking charge, as his side moved one point ahead of Manchester City and four points clear of Arsenal.

Mohamed Salah's penalty and a decisive goal from Curtis Jones secured the Reds' 10th win in 11 matches under Slot. Chelsea, despite controlling nearly 60 percent of possession, fell to their first league defeat since the season's opening weekend against Manchester City. Nicolas Jackson's goal briefly brought Chelsea level, but it wasn't enough to prevent the loss.

"Many other games were hard but this might have been the hardest because of the amount of quality players they have and the structure they have," said Slot after the game. "We had to fight really hard to get this one over the line."

Liverpool's only defeat under Slot came against Nottingham Forest following September's international break. Sunday's victory sets up a crucial clash next weekend against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Chelsea, now sitting in sixth place and seven points behind Liverpool, took some positives from the game. Head coach Enzo Maresca acknowledged the strong performance, despite the result. "We lost, we are not happy, but the performance with and without the ball was very good," Maresca said. "I've been in this stadium many times and to see Liverpool in their (half) for a long time is not easy."

Jones Shines in Starting Role

Slot's decision to bench South American internationals Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Nunez after their international duties paid off, as Curtis Jones made an impact in just his second Premier League start of the season. Jones won Liverpool's penalty and later netted the winning goal.

Chelsea began the match with more possession and controlled much of the first half. However, Liverpool's speed on the counter-attack posed a constant threat. After being brought down by Levi Colwill, Jones earned the penalty that Salah converted, marking his 10th goal against his former club.

Liverpool thought they had doubled their lead when Cody Gakpo finished off another swift counter, but Salah was flagged offside in the build-up.

Chelsea responded with their own moments of danger, including a shot from Jackson that hit the post and crossbar. The visitors thought they might have conceded a second penalty before halftime when referee John Brooks pointed to the spot again, but VAR overturned the decision as Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez made contact with the ball before Jones.

VAR Drama in Second Half

Early in the second half, Jackson equalized for Chelsea with his fifth goal in eight Premier League matches. The initial offside call was reversed by VAR, confirming that Ibrahima Konate had played Jackson onside.

Liverpool quickly reclaimed the lead just three minutes later. Salah's cross found Jones, who timed his run well to score the eventual winner.

Chelsea pressed for an equalizer during the final stages of the match, but despite seven minutes of added time, they were unable to break through. Renato Vega headed over from a Cole Palmer free-kick, and Christopher Nkunku failed to make contact with a dangerous cross from Pedro Neto.

Liverpool's 2-1 win places them in a strong position ahead of their upcoming clash with Arsenal, while Chelsea will look to regroup as they sit seven points adrift in sixth place.