The visit of Chelsea to Anfield stirred bad memories for Liverpool. The club still struggle to forget that slip by Steven Gerrard that took the Premier League title away from them in 2014. Manchester City won to briefly go top earlier in the day, with a win over Crystal Palace before a Mohamed Salah wonder strike sent Liverpool back to the top of the table.
Mohamed Salah Wonder Strike Lifts Liverpool Back to the Top
Back to His Best
After a dry spell in front of goal, Mohamed Salah was back doing what he does best when he scored a magnificent solo effort away to Southampton. Back at Anfield against Chelsea, he was kept out by a fine save from Kepa Arrizabalaga, before going to ground far too easily when David Luiz stuck out a leg but made no contact with the Egyptian striker. One part of his game that he needs to remove is the constant simulation. Salah is a class player and has no need to blot his copybook with such actions.
His 25-yard wonder strike, however, was special. Cutting inside on his left foot he had hit a blue wall, or so it seemed. With little backlift, he then unleashed a powerful, swerving shot that Kepa could only flap at as he saw it fly into the top corner. The Kop and Anfield rose as one to celebrate.
Chelsea Flounder Once More
Make no mistake – Chelsea had their chances in this match. Eden Hazard on another afternoon could have scored a hat-trick. Alisson pulled off a good save to keep the Belgian out, the post also came to Liverpool’s aid as well as two late chances that Hazard would be expected to score.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek was lively for the visitors but Callum Hudson-Odoi didn’t last an hour and was disappointing.
This defeat leaves Chelsea a point behind Tottenham Hotspur in third place with the North London club having a game in hand and a superior goal difference.
Mohamed Salah’s Opportunism Keeps Eye on the Prize
Not many players would have seen the opportunity to score like Salah did. It was a sign of his imagination and creativity. It is a Goal of the Season contender.
Liverpool have a two-point cushion at the top of the table, although Manchester City have a superior goal difference and a game in hand to their advantage. Liverpool play their return leg of the Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday night in Portugal against Porto whilst Chelsea are in action on Thursday against Slavia Prague in the Europa league. Back in the Premier League next weekend, both Chelsea and Liverpool are at home to Burnley and Cardiff City respectively.
This was a huge three points for Liverpool in the title race and Mohamed Salah is hitting imperious form just when they need his talent most.
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