toptop
Jordan
Henderson scored a goal-of-the-season contender as Liverpool beat Chelsea 2-1 on
Friday Night Football at Stamford Bridge.
Jurgen Klopp's side showed tremendous energy in the first half and raced into a
two goal lead thanks to Dejan Lovren's neat finish and Henderson's stunning
effort.
Chelsea, who were booed off at half-time, failed to lay a glove on the rampant
Reds until Diego Costa netted his fifth goal of the season with 29 minutes
remaining, but Liverpool saw the game out comfortably.
The result moves Liverpool on to 10 points - level with Chelsea - as Antonio
Conte suffered his first defeat as Blues head coach.
The home fans were treated to a second Chelsea debut for David Luiz, who was the
only change to the team that drew 2-2 with Swansea after John Terry suffered
ankle ligament damage.
Roberto Firmino missed out for Liverpool with a slight groin issue as Daniel
Sturridge led the line.
It was the England striker that tested Thibaut Courtois early on with a 20-yard
strike that the goalkeeper just about juggled to safety. Liverpool were buzzing
all over their opponents and took the lead on 17 minutes.
Branislav Ivanovic gave a needless foul away on the left flank, from which
Liverpool worked the ball to Philippe Coutinho. The Chelsea defence went to
sleep and Lovren was left unmarked at the back post to skilfully prod home on
the half-volley.
It was one way traffic as Chelsea struggled to get Costa into the game - the
Spain international only had two touches inside the box in the first half.
Liverpool looked full of energy and got their manager off the bench on 36
minutes with a goal of the highest quality.
Henderson killed the ball into his stride following a Gary Cahill clearance and
curled a wondrous effort from 30 yards right into the top corner. Even some of
the Chelsea fans could be seen clapping such was the brilliance of the strike.
Chelsea have never won in the Premier League era when two goals down at
half-time, but gave their fans hope by pulling a goal back on 61 minutes.
Costa, who grew into the game, was on hand to poke home Nemanja Matic's chipped
cross from the by-line.
The goal should have given the hosts a lease of life, but it was Liverpool that
regained control by slowing the game down and keeping possession shrewdly.
Coutinho had an effort blocked away by Cahill on 78 minutes before Courtois had
to be alert claw away a Divock Origi header from close range.
Conte threw on Cesc Fabregas, Pedro and Victor Moses with seven minutes left,
but Chelsea carried little threat with Nathaniel Clyne at the top of his game to
keep Eden Hazard quiet.
Liverpool have now beat both Arsenal and Chelsea on the road and took a point
off Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
Klopp's men are moving in the right direction.
Click Here For Official Team Sheet
Teams
Chelsea Courtois, Ivanovic (c), Cahill, Luiz, Azpilicueta,
Kante, Willian (Moses 84), Oscar (Pedro 84), Matic (Fabregas 84), Hazard, Costa
Subs Not Used Begovic, Alonso, Aina, Batschuayi
Booked Willian
Goals Costa 61
Liverpool Mignolet, Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner, Lallana,
Henderson (c), Wijnaldum (Stewart 90), Mane, Sturridge (Origi 57), Coutinho
(Lucas 82)
Subs Not Used Karius, Grujec, Moreno, Ejaria
Booked Lucas
Goals Lovren 17, Henderson 36
Attendance 41,514
Referee Martin Atkinson