Liverpool impress as they pass Chelsea test

Curtis Jones scored the winner as Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Chelsea.

The Reds midfielder capped a superb display when he struck at the back post moments after Nicolas Jackson's 48th-minute effort had cancelled out Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty at Anfield.

It was a strong response from Arne Slot’s side after champions Manchester City had won earlier on Sunday to temporarily move into first place.

Liverpool have now won 10 out of their first 11 games under their new Dutch boss and their performance and resolve in what was arguably their toughest test to date was impressive.

Their defence largely held up strongly, with back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher well protected for most of the game.

Chelsea battled hard themselves, although they did have some early scares, firstly when Salah struck the ball at the arm of Levi Colwill outside the box but nothing was given.

Colwill then had another let-off when he bundled Diogo Jota over just inside the visitors’ half as he raced onto a long ball.

Arsenal’s William Saliba was controversially sent off in similar circumstances on Saturday but a booking was deemed sufficient in this instance.

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez also had a heart-in-mouth moment when he kicked the ball straight to Cody Gakpo but he recovered.

Despite those moments of alarm, Chelsea generally settled well and subdued the home crowd with a sustained spell of possession.

The visitors were starting to ask questions of the Liverpool back line when the game burst into life just before the half-hour.

Liverpool quickly turned defence into attack after Jones blocked a shot from Cole Palmer.

Salah broke clear down the right and stayed on his feet after being