Liverpool boss Arne Slot praises defensive effort in 2-1 victory over Chelsea

Liverpool – Arne Slot was quick to praise his defence as his superb start as Liverpool manager continued with the 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Oct 20, their 10th win in the opening 11 games in all competitions.

While former boss Jurgen Klopp’s shoes once seemed nearly impossible to fill, many have pointed to Liverpool’s solid rearguard under Slot that held strong against Chelsea in a win that kept the Reds top of the table.

“We defended so strong through the whole team. There was incredible work rate,” the Dutchman said.

His men have conceded only three goals in eight league matches and have 21 points, one ahead of champions Manchester City.

Former England and City defender Micah Richards said Slot had brought “a bit of calmness”.

“Defensively, Liverpool look more solid. Under Jurgen Klopp, it was amazing to watch, but as defenders you could be exposed,” Richards said on Sky Sports. “The timing which defenders drop back and push up is a lot more balanced.”

The decision to hand Curtis Jones just his second league start of the season proved an inspired one as the England international won Liverpool’s penalty and scored the decisive goal.

Said former Reds stalwart Jamie Carragher: “Jones was brilliant... What a performance that was, when you think of the quality on the pitch and the money that has been spent.”

Chelsea were fortunate to still have 11 men on the field after just six minutes, when Tosin Adarabioyo hauled down Diogo Jota.

Liverpool’s pace on the break was a constant threat and Chelsea were caught out when Mohamed Salah fed Jones, who was chopped down by Levi Colwill.

Salah slammed home his fifth league goal against his former club from the resulting penalty on 29 minutes.

Within three minutes of the restart for the second half, the Blues were back level as Nicolas Jackson latched onto Moises Caicedo’s through ball and coolly slotted past Caoimhin Kelleher for his fifth goal in eight league games.

Liverpool took just three minutes to restore their lead, as Jones timed his run perfectly to control and flick in Salah’s cross and give the Reds the win.

Slot had downplayed his team’s sizzling start to the season, saying they had yet to face any teams near the top of the table.

Chelsea, who are sixth on 14 points, were the first in a gruelling stretch across all competitions against top opponents.

Slot was pleased to put seven points between Liverpool and the west London club.

“The better the teams you face, the more you need it (fight),” he said.

“In the Premier League, there are so many good teams so if you want to win, at least you need to fight and then hopefully the individuals can make the difference.

“It helps if you play against Chelsea, it is a big game and everyone feels it. We felt it and the fans felt it because they were there for us today. We showed up, that was the most important thing.”

Despite Liverpool’s strong start under Slot, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes Arsenal, rather than the Reds, are still the biggest threat to City.

He said on Sky Sports: “Would these two teams (at Anfield) win the title? I don’t think so. What Liverpool are doing defensively at the moment is interesting. I’d like to assess it at Christmas. I still think they’re short... Arsenal are the only team that can take on City.”

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, meanwhile, was pleased with how his team played despite the loss.

“We don’t like to lose or drop points, we deserved something more but the performance was good,” he said.

“We controlled most of the game. We had chances, we had possession. We don’t like to lose, but if we have to choose, this is the way. The team was brave on and off the ball.

“I don’t think this game defines where we are. We prepared in the best way, it worked quite well. You have to take chances, but overall I am very happy with the players.” REUTERS, AFP