Premier League Liverpool vs Chelsea 2-1: Curtis Jones Masterclass, Anfield Analysis and Player Ratings

Anfield was rocking with raw emotion and tactical intensity on Super Sunday as our comprehensive Liverpool vs Chelsea Anfield 2026 Review dissects Arne Slot’s defining 2–1 victory over Enzo Maresca’s high-flying Blues. Anchored by a breathtaking Man of the Match performance from local hero Curtis Jones—who won a first-half penalty before scoring the second-half winner—Liverpool maintained their pole position atop the Premier League table.

⚽ Liverpool 2–1 Chelsea: Match Facts

Goals: Mohamed Salah (29′ pen), Curtis Jones (51′) | Nicolas Jackson (48′).
Man of the Match: Curtis Jones (Won penalty, scored winner, 90% pass accuracy, 6 tackles, Cole Palmer clamped).
Historic Record: Arne Slot becomes only the 2nd manager in Liverpool history to win 10 of his first 11 games in all competitions.
League Standings: Liverpool stay 1st with 21 points, 1 point clear of Manchester City and 4 clear of Arsenal.

Full Player Ratings: Anfield Super Sunday

Below are our verified player ratings (out of 10) for both squads based on 90 minutes of high-tempo action:

Liverpool Player Ratings

Caoimhin Kelleher (GK): 7.5 – Solid handling and sharp distribution under pressure.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB): 7.0 – Marshaled Jadon Sancho well; pin-point diagonal balls.
Ibrahima Konate (CB): 8.0 – Colossal aerial presence against Nicolas Jackson.
Virgil van Dijk (CB): 8.0 – Commanded the backline with effortless authority.
Andrew Robertson (LB): 7.0 – Endless work-rate up and down the flank.
Ryan Gravenberch (CM): 8.5 – Silky midfield turns; dominated the second-ball duels.
Curtis Jones (CM): 9.5 (MOTM) – World-class display on both sides of the ball.
Dominik Szoboszlai (AM): 7.5 – Relentless pressing that disrupted Chelsea’s build-up.
Mohamed Salah (RW): 8.5 – Scored ice-cold penalty; delivered magnificent cross for winner.
Cody Gakpo (LW): 7.0 – Unlucky to have a close-range goal ruled out for offside.
Diogo Jota (ST): 6.5 – Replaced early by Darwin Nunez due to rib collision.

Chelsea Player Ratings

Robert Sanchez (GK): 5.5 – Hesitant on crosses; beaten easily by Jones.
Malo Gusto (RB): 6.0 – Caught out of position on Salah’s counter-attacks.
Tosin Adarabioyo (CB): 5.5 – Booked after 6 minutes for foul on Jota.
Levi Colwill (CB): 5.0 – Conceded clumsy first-half penalty on Jones.
Reece James (LB): 6.5 – Commendable 53 minutes on his injury return.
Moises Caicedo (CM): 7.5 – Superb through-ball assist for Jackson’s equalizer.
Romeo Lavia (CM): 6.5 – Neat in possession during first half.
Cole Palmer (AM): 5.5 – Completely neutralized by Curtis Jones’ man-marking.
Noni Madueke (RW): 6.0 – Flashes of pace but lacking end product.
Jadon Sancho (LW): 5.0 – Substituted at half-time after having zero impact.
Nicolas Jackson (ST): 7.0 – Composed finish past Kelleher for Chelsea’s goal.

Tactical Blueprint: How Arne Slot Contained Cole Palmer

Chelsea entered Anfield with Cole Palmer widely recognized as the form player in the Premier League. However, Slot deployed Curtis Jones in a disciplined tracking role. Whenever Chelsea attempted to build through Palmer in the right half-space, Jones collapsed aggressively, preventing Palmer from turning facing goal. Palmer finished the match with zero shots on target and just 4 touches inside the Liverpool penalty area.

For virtual tacticians, explore our guide on EA Sports FC 25 Ultimate Team Evolutions to implement Slot’s midfield pressing system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why was Liverpool’s second penalty overturned by VAR?

Referee John Brooks originally awarded a penalty when Robert Sanchez collided with Curtis Jones, but VAR official Michael Oliver recommended an on-field review, showing Sanchez played the ball before contact occurred.

What is Diogo Jota’s injury status?

Diogo Jota was substituted in the 30th minute following a heavy collision with Tosin Adarabioyo that bruised his ribs. Arne Slot confirmed Jota will undergo scans ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League match against RB Leipzig.

Where does this win leave Liverpool in the title race?

Liverpool sit top of the Premier League table with 21 points, one point ahead of Manchester City (20) and four points clear of Arsenal and Aston Villa (17).