Liverpool star Fabinho is now first choice over Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.
Jurgen Klopp was in Frank Lampard’s head as the Reds played a masterful match on the road defeating Chelsea 2-0
The first period saw both sides go toe to toe like heavyweight boxers; testing probing and failing to land a solid punch.
Liverpool saw the majority of possession and controlled tempo with a solid midfield performance. Newly acquired Timo Werner was the one bright spot for Lampard’s Blues as he enjoyed some success down the left.
Andreas Christensen’s red card for a challenge on Sadio Mane changed the complexion of the tie.
The rule states that a foul by the last defender is a red card. But the official awarded a yellow card inexplicably, and was over-ruled by VAR.
The second half saw the introduction of Thiago Alcantara in midfield, who replaced Jordan Henderson. Just the possibility of a Thiago entrance gave Lampard nightmares.
He quickly made his presence known and took control of a relentless and ruthless Reds assault that saw Mane strike twice in the first 10 minutes of the second half, effectively dusting this one off.
A soft penalty in the 75th minute against Thiago was called when he was brushed by a diving Werner on the edge of the 18 yard box. Allison proved once again why he is the best keeper in the Premier League when he stopped the Jorginho spot kick.
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That was the extent of Chelsea’s second half chances as a strong defensive showing from Klopp’s back line put the brakes on any late flourishes by the hapless Blues. Lampard’s men could only produce three shots on goal and one corner.
Fabinho got the starting nod in centre-back next to Virgil van Dijk, replacing Joe Gomez who had received a late knock in training. Fabinho played his defensive role masterfully, giving the gaffer the kind of performance that just might insure his place on the starters sheet in that position.
With the addition of Thiago in the no. 6 spot; Fabinho will need to be pushed into the backline. His defensive nous and composure was glaringly obvious and he is clearly the first choice over Gomez or Joel Matip. Clearly, the Reds need Fabinho on the pitch so Gomez and Matip will be forced to step up their game in order to find minutes.
Liverpool had good solid performances from the starters across the board. Milner subbed off Naby Keita in the second 45, and Takumi Minamino got to see out the last 10 minutes replacing Roberto Firmino.
Klopp will be very happy with the results here and with the way determination and composure his Reds side showed playing a difficult fixture against a good Chelsea side on the road.
For the second outing of the season, this is a great time to be finding their defensive form and finishing was clinical when it needed to be. Allison had to work to keep his clean sheet and it was well deserved.
With the addition of Thiago and Diogo Jota, as well as Kostas Tsimikas, the Reds are looking solid going forward.
Next up for Liverpool is an away tie with Lincoln in the FA cup third round come Thursday; with a home tie against Arsenal the following Monday to see out Septembers’ fixtures. Klopp will want to silence any thoughts of Gunners challenging for the title with a win at Anfield.
A well deserved three points for the Reds at Stamford Bridge sees them perfect thus far with a goal differential of three. Not a bad beginning for an early fall start that promises to be both exciting and difficult, with a Merseyside derby tie against Everton looming next month.