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 an important 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.
Though that was to not be, it was an excellent all-round show from the 23-year-old.
“He had an excellent sport,” Slot mentioned.
“He had a tough job to manage Cole Palmer who’s an unbelievable participant in my view. It’s so tough to defend him as a result of he has so many qualities, and Curtis did that actually properly.
“In my view he managed him for many components of the sport.
“It’s virtually unimaginable to manage him for 90 minutes however he was fairly near that, however then additionally to have the influence on the opposite facet with the aim and the 2 penalties he was concerned in, one disallowed by VAR.
“It reveals you he had a big effect on either 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 advised us this was our first massive take a look at,” Slot mentioned.
“I feel in case you go to Previous Trafford in opposition to a really sturdy staff like United, that’s positively a take a look at.
“However I mentioned this week don’t simply choose us on this week, choose us after six, seven, eight video games.
“After this we’ve 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 sport three days in a row.”
Defeat for Chelsea left Enzo Maresca’s facet 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 probabilities, albeit with out actually threatening Liverpool’s back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher too many instances.
“I feel the efficiency was superb,” Maresca mentioned.
“You don’t wish to lose video games or drop factors but when you need to select the best way to do it most likely that is the best way. I’ve been to this stadium many instances and seen Liverpool for a very long time.
“It’s not straightforward and I feel general we managed the sport, and for essentially the most half we dominated. We misplaced and we aren’t glad however the efficiency on the ball and off the ball was superb…
“I’m relaxed. I’m not glad as a result of we misplaced however I’m relaxed and I’m glad due to the efficiency of the staff.”
