toptop
The
pressure on Jose Mourinho intensified further as Chelsea slipped to a 3-1 defeat
to Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
Two goals from Philippe Coutinho and a late strike from Christian Benteke
cancelled out Ramires' opening goal as Liverpool won their first game in the
Premier League under Jurgen Klopp.
Chelsea's defeat means this is their worst start to a league season since
1978/79 with Mourinho losing nine of his last 17 games in all competitions
compared to just four defeats in 54 games last season.
There was a surprise inclusion for Diego Costa, who recovered from a rib injury
sustained in midweek, but Cesc Fabregas was left out - the first time the
Chelsea boss had dropped the midfielder in the Premier League.
Benteke was only fit enough for the bench for Liverpool so Roberto Firmino
started up-front as the only change from the 1-1 draw at home to Southampton
last Sunday.
Mourinho will have been demanding a fast start and his players delivered.
Azpilicueta raced away down the left flank and picked out the on-rushing
Ramires, who beat Alberto Moreno to the ball and powered a header into the net
from close range.
An early goal should have settled the hosts into a nice rhythm but it was
Liverpool that looked the more confident with the ball.
Despite their forward pressing, chances were at a premium until 28 minutes when
Adam Lallana had an opportunity to turn in a James Milner cross from about 10
yards out but it was straight at Asmir Begovic.
Chelsea huffed and puffed but apart from flashy bursts forward by Willian they
looked toothless in attacking areas with Eden Hazard and Diego Costa maintaining
their underwhelming form.
With half-time approaching, Liverpool drew level. The visitors worked the ball
to Coutinho on the edge of the box and he danced inside before curling a
fantastic effort into the far corner. Klopp celebrated while Mourinho stormed
straight down the tunnel.
Klopp's arrival at Anfield has spiced up events in the technical area and he
engaged in some fiery dialogue with a member of the Chelsea backroom staff, who
was sitting in the stands, after Willian was fouled by the dugout on 57 minutes.
Mourinho remained in his seat for that episode but sprung into life on 68
minutes when Lucas, who was already on a booking, committed a foul on Ramires in
the middle of the pitch. The Chelsea players surrounded the referee calling for
a second yellow and Mourinho fumed on the sidelines but referee Mark Clattenburg
waved away the protests.
Oscar nearly caught a back-pedalling Simon Mignolet out from 40 yards but just
five minutes later Chelsea's season hit a new low as Coutinho grabbed his
second.
The Brazilian wriggled into space in the penalty area and his shot deflected off
John Terry past the despairing dive of Begovic.
With Stamford Bridge stunned and chants of "you're getting sacked in the
morning" emanating from the away end towards Mourinho, Liverpool got their third
on 83 minutes.
Benteke picked the ball up in the box, found a half yard of space and picked his
spot to find the far corner.
Chelsea and Mourinho had no response.
Click Here For Official Teamsheet
Player Ratings
Chelsea: Begovic (6), Zouma (6), Cahill (5), Terry (4),
Azpilicueta (7), Mikel (5), Ramires (6), Willian (7), Oscar (6), Hazard (5),
Diego Costa (5).
Subs: Fabregas (6), Kenedy (6), Falcao (6).
Liverpool: Mignolet (7), Clyne (7), Skrtel (7), Sakho (7),
Moreno (7), Lucas (7), Can (7), Milner (6), Lallana (7), Coutinho (8), Firmino
(7).
Subs: Benteke (7), Ibe (6), Lovren (6).
Man of the Match: Philippe Coutinho
Teams
Chelsea Begovic, Zouma, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta (Falcao
76), Ramires, Mikel (Fabregas 70), Willian, Oscar, Hazard (Kenedy 59), Costa
Subs Not Used Armelia, Rahman, Matic, Remy
Booked Mikel
Goals Ramires 4
Liverpool Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Sakho, Moreno, Can, Lucas,
Milner (c) (Benteke 64), Lallana (Lovren 90+1), Coutinho, Firmino (Ibe 78)
Subs Not Used Randall, Teixeira, Bogdan, Allen
Booked Coutinho, Lucas, Can, Benteke
Goals Coutinho 45+3, 74, Benteke 83
Attendance 41,577
Referee Mark Clattenburg