Returning from their opening Champions League defeat, the Reds returned for a road trip in the league, this time to London. Liverpool held on for a 1-2 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Assertive from the start the Merseysiders looked eager to put the Napoli defeat behind them. Similar to their start against the Series A side, Liverpool needed to reign in some other early enthusiasm. Then a set play stunner from Trent Alexander-Arnold, in the 14th minute, established which side would be exerting control. His top bin free kick not only opened his account but did so with a declaration.
While the Reds looked lively, the front three showed an increased sharpness from their midweek form. Within another quarter of an hour, Liverpool secured another set-piece chance just outside the box. Andrew Robertson drove a cross that found Roberto Firmino for a free header for a second score. There was a sense that more was to come.
After the break, the Reds nearly finished the match but failed to convert two strong chances early. Firmino, in particular, forced an excellent save from Kepa Arrizabalaga.
To their credit, Chelsea continued to fight and found a way back into the match, courtesy of N’Golog Kante in the 71st minute. The Blues will experience growing pains this season but there is no shortage of young talent at the club. Their quality will test plenty of teams. Still, Liverpool’s quality lifted them past the Londoners once again.
Here are four findings from the match.
