Liverpool traveled to Stamford Bridge on Friday evening and produced an impressive first half display to defeat the hosts 2-1.
Roberto Firmino was left out of the starting XI due to a minor groin injury picked up in training, which meant a welcome return for Philippe Coutinho after the Brazilian was rested for the Reds’ thrashing of Leicester City last week.
However, it was returning centre-back Dejan Lovren who broke the deadlock, scoring early in the first half after a period of domination from Liverpool.
Captain Jordan Henderson doubled the Reds lead before half-time with a sublime strike which flew into the top right corner from 30 yards.
Despite an impressive opening 45 minutes, Liverpool allowed Chelsea to get themselves back into the game and a finish from Diego Costa gave the Blues an opportunity to fight back after some sloppy defending.
Divock Origi was denied an opportunity to seal the victory but the Chelsea goalkeeper produced a brilliant save to keep the home side in the game.
The Reds held on to claim all three points though and it was another impressive display from Jurgen Klopp‘s men.
Here’s all the best reaction to the victory and the biggest moments throughout the game.
Firmino’s injury caused concern and panic ahead of kick-off.
No Firmino is a huge loss for us tonight tonight. No matter how good Coutinho is it's hard to replace what Firmino brings to the team.
— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) September 16, 2016
Firmino absence is a blow for #LFC. Big, big responsibility on Coutinho and Sturridge to provide both on and off the ball.
— Kristian Walsh (@Kristian_Walsh) September 16, 2016
Need a big performance tonight @LFC! Huge blow not having Firmino available but Coutinho/Sturridge/Mane will still cause Chelsea problems ?
— Chris Wood (@CJWood1990) September 16, 2016
There was no need to worry though as Lovren netted Liverpool’s first and Henderson scored a thunderous goal to round-off an emphatic first half.
Great start for Liverpool! Lovren took his goal well – surprised he could see the ball coming with that black eye! #LFC #YNWA
— John Lynch (@jlynch100) September 16, 2016
What a goal by @JHenderson, just need to stay focused now and see this through @LFC
— Pete McNicol (@PeteMcnicol) September 16, 2016
What a half, and what a goal by Henderson. Liverpool having their own goal of the season tournament so far this year. #LFC
— Dan Copeland (@ETFootball) September 16, 2016
Great half from @LFC let's hope they keep it up and see it through. Very impressive display with two cracking goals ??
— Patrick Holmes (@paddy_holmes3) September 16, 2016
Even Marko Grujic was impressed…
Screaming at Grujic's reaction pic.twitter.com/iwNoG8LkA9
— Dan (@Grujical) September 16, 2016
Panic did creep in when Costa found the back of the net though.
This is what being an LFC fan is all about. They build you up with false optimism then switch off and drop you back to earth. It's coming…
— Nick Hughes (@nickhughes101) September 16, 2016
Being a Liverpool supporter is just constantly dealing with anxiety attacks #LFC
— Owen Fullarton (@OFullarton) September 16, 2016
That feeling of dread. Hello, old friend…..
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) September 16, 2016
Concentration is key. Liverpool so disciplined for 60 minutes, then switch off and punished again. It's the players!
— Rory Greenfield (@RoryGreenfield) September 16, 2016
But there was relief and celebration after the final whistle as Liverpool held on to win 2-1.
Wins against Arsenal, Chelsea & Leicester City & a draw vs Tottenham? I'd have snapped your arm off if offered that pre-season ?? #LFC
— Emma Sanders (@em_sandy) September 16, 2016
Liverpool into top four having only played one of 5 games at home, due to wins at Arsenal, Chelsea and a draw at Spurs. Very impressive.
— Matt Hughes (@MattHughesTimes) September 16, 2016
So hard to pick a man of the match from that, but thought Clyne, Matip, Henderson and Wijnaldum stood out particularly. #LFC
— Jack Lusby (@jacklusby_) September 16, 2016
Hendo delivered something special tonight which won us the game. That's what captains do and I'm so happy with everyone's performance. #Lfc
— Hamad (@Mohodh) September 16, 2016
So proud of the lads tonight. Still early on, however, I can see us doing something special this season. We are Liverpool #LFC
— Carl Clemente (@clemente_carl) September 16, 2016
The owner was pretty happy too!
Huge!
— John W. Henry (@John_W_Henry) September 16, 2016
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