Chelsea vs Liverpool. Premier League.
Stamford BridgeAttendance41,514.
Tuesday 20 September 2016 16:15, UK
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.
Chelsea: Courtois (6), Ivanovic (5), Cahill (5), David Luiz (5), Azpilicueta (5), Kante (6), Willian (6), Oscar (5), Matic (5), Hazard (5), Costa (7).
Subs: Fabregas (5), Pedro (5), Moses (5).
Liverpool: Mignolet (6), Clyne (6), Matip (7), Lovren (7), Milner (6), Henderson (7), Wijnaldum (6), Lallana (7), Coutinho (6), Mane (6), Sturridge (6).
Subs: Lucas (5), Stewart (5), Origi (5).
Man of the match: Jordan Henderson.
Player Ratings
Chelsea: Courtois (6); Ivanovic (5), Cahill (5), David Luiz (6), Azpilicueta (6); Kante (6); Willian (6), Oscar (6), Matic (6), Hazard (6); Costa (6)
Subs: Moses (6), Pedro (6), Fabregas (6)
Liverpool: Mignolet (6), Clyne (7), Matip (8), Lovren (8), Milner (7), Henderson (8), Wijnaldum (7), Lallana (7), Coutinho (7), Mane (7), Sturridge (7)
Subs: Origi (7), Lucas (6), Stewart (6)
Man of the match: Jordan Henderson
