Arne Slot was delighted with the contribution from Curtis Jones at each ends of the pitch after he scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea that despatched Liverpool again to the highest of the Premier League.
Jones tucked in Liverpool’s second aim six minutes into the second half, moments after Nicolas Jackson’s equaliser, having already made a vital block to disclaim Cole Palmer after which received the penalty from which Mohamed Salah opened the scoring.
Jones thought he had received a second penalty earlier than half-time when he collided with Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Referee John Brooks pointed to the spot however the resolution was overturned after a VAR intervention.
Regardless that that was to not be, it was an impressive all-round show from the 23-year-old.
“He had an excellent recreation,” Slot mentioned.
“He had a troublesome job to regulate Cole Palmer who’s an unimaginable participant for my part. It’s so troublesome to defend him as a result of he has so many qualities, and Curtis did that actually properly.
“For my part he managed him for many elements of the sport.
“It’s virtually not possible to regulate him for 90 minutes however he was fairly near that, however then additionally to have the affect on the opposite aspect with the aim and the 2 penalties he was concerned in, one disallowed by VAR.
“It exhibits you he had a big effect on each side of the pitch.”
This match had been constructed up as a serious take a look at of Liverpool’s title ambitions, however though the win was sufficient to maneuver them again above Manchester Metropolis by a single level, Slot mentioned it was solely the beginning of a difficult interval with Arsenal up subsequent weekend after a visit to RB Leipzig.
“I feel it was principally the media that instructed us this was our first huge take a look at,” Slot mentioned.
“I feel if you happen to go to Outdated Trafford towards a really sturdy group like United, that’s positively a take a look at.
“However I mentioned this week don’t simply decide us on this week, decide us after six, seven, eight video games.
“After this we have now Leipzig, Arsenal, Brighton twice (as soon as within the Carabao Cup), Leverkusen and Aston Villa, so that is our greatest take a look at, to play the Champions League and Premier League, each recreation three days in a row.”
Defeat for Chelsea left Enzo Maresca’s aspect sixth within the desk, now seven factors behind Liverpool after eight video games.
Though on the dropping finish, Chelsea loved extra possession and created extra possibilities, albeit with out actually threatening Liverpool’s back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher too many occasions.
“I feel the efficiency was superb,” Maresca mentioned.
“You don’t prefer to lose video games or drop factors but when it’s important to select the best way to do it in all probability that is the best way. I’ve been to this stadium many occasions and seen Liverpool for a very long time.
“It’s not straightforward and I feel total we managed the sport, and for essentially the most half we dominated. We misplaced and we aren’t comfortable however the efficiency on the ball and off the ball was superb…
“I’m relaxed. I’m not comfortable as a result of we misplaced however I’m relaxed and I’m comfortable due to the efficiency of the group.”
