Liverpool 1 Chelsea 2
Jose Mourinho praised Chelsea’s battling spirit as they came from behind to beat Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League.
Goals in the first 14 minutes from Emre Can and Gary Cahill saw the sides go in level at half time.
Diego Costa’s tenth goal of the season sealed the three points for Chelsea halfway through the second half as the league leaders maintained their unbeaten start to the season.
Liverpool had a late penalty appeal turned down but Chelsea’s overall dominance saw the league leaders hold out for a win that delighted Mourinho.
He said: “It was a fantastic performance. The players as individuals all had a great performance and as a team they were in control.
“One point at Anfield, most teams would be happy with that as a result, this team did not accept that and I am really, really pleased.”
“The whole team is putting in big performances week in week out but Diego Costa has been at the heart of that.” – John Terry
The game started at a ferocious pace and Liverpool took the lead after just nine minutes.
Can collected the ball 25 yards from goal and saw his shot deflect off of Cahill and past Thibaut Courtois for the summer signings first Liverpool goal.
Five minutes later Liverpool’s frailty from set pieces was highlighted again as Chelsea levelled the scores.
From Chelsea’s first corner of the game Cahill saw his close range shot blocked by Simon Mignolet.
However, goal line technology showed the ball had crossed the line and the blues were level.
The second half settled into a far slower intensity until Costa fired Chelsea into the lead in the 67th minute.
Cesar Azpiliecueta went past Philippe Coutinho with ease and Mignolet could only parry the Spaniards cross to Costa who drilled into the unguarded net.
Liverpool had a strong penalty appeal turned down in the 86th minute after Cahill had handled a Steven Gerrard shot.
The victory tightens Chelsea’s grip on top spot in the Premier League and they face a trip to West Brom after the international break.
