Jurgen Klopp got his first Premier League win as Liverpool boss with an excellent 3-1 victory at Chelsea.
Chelsea 1-3 Liverpool
Premier League – Stamford Bridge – Saturday 31st October 2015
Goals: Ramires (4); Coutinho (45+2, 74), Benteke 82.
Liverpool went behind in the opening five minutes when Ramires headed in Azpilicueta’s cross. The Chelsea left-back found far too much space down Liverpool’s right side, and Alberto Moreno failed to defend Ramires properly. It was a soft goal to concede.
But Klopp’s side enjoyed the better of the first half, enjoying far more possession.
The equaliser arrived in first half injury time, Philippe Coutinho – who had been anonymous until then – turned inside and beautifully curled home from the edge of the box.
The second half saw a similar pattern, with neither side quite creating clear cut chances.
Klopp showed his ruthless side by removing the ineffective James Milner on the hour, replacing him with Christian Benteke.
Jose Mourinho had a full on tantrum when referee Mark Clattenburg didn’t give Lucas a second yellow for a foul in midfield. This coming minutes after Costa had clearly kicked Skrtel while on the floor for what should have been a definite red card. Costa will no doubt receive retrospective punishment so Mourinho can cry about some sort of conspiracy again.
Liverpool took the lead with 20 minutes remaining, with Coutinho providing another excellent finish after turning inside Terry from Benteke’s knockdown.
Klopp provided another attacking sub, replacing Firmino with Jordon Ibe immediately after the goal.
It was almost 3-1 within minutes, Moreno with a run and shot that Begovic saved at the near post.
Not long after, it was indeed 3-1, with Benteke getting on the scoresheet with a finish across goal with Terry again on his backside.
It was an excellent team performance from Liverpool and thoroughly deserved the three points.
Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel, Sakho, Moreno, Lucas, Can, Milner (Benteke 63), Lallana (Lovren 91+1), Coutinho, Firmino (Ibe 76).
Subs not used: Bogdan, Allen, Teixeira, Randall.
Chelsea: Begovic, Zouma, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta (Falcao 76), Mikel (Fabregas 70), Ramires, Willian, Oscar, Hazard (Kenedy 58), Costa.
Subs not used: Amelia, Baba, Matic, Remy.
CHELSEA 1-3 LIVERPOOL
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