Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool highlights: Firmino header restores five-point lead at top of the Premier League

JOE KRISHNAN 
Sunday 22 September 2019 18:25 

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino were on target as Liverpool went five points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Chelsea.

The Reds' work on the training ground paid off as Alexander-Arnold thundered home an unstoppable free-kick after 14 minutes.

Cesar Azpilicueta thought he had equalised with a rare goal but VAR disallowed it for offside.

Three minutes later, Liverpool took advantage as Firmino headed home the second from Andy Robertson's free-kick.

N'Golo Kante scored a stunning solo goal with 20 minutes left as the Blues pushed for an equaliser but the visitors held on to maintain their perfect start to the season.

Frank Lampard was boosted by the return of Kante and Mason Mount as he switched to a back four, while Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp named an unchanged side.

Both sides pressed in the early stages but it was a moment of brilliance from Trent Alexander-Arnold gave the visitors the lead.

Mohamed Salah flicked the ball onto his right foot and the full-back lashed his effort into the top corner. Kepa had no chance and Liverpool were in front

Tammy Abraham was guilty of missing a huge chance to equalise when put through on goal by Andreas Christensen. With Mount to his left in acres of space, the striker opted to go for goal but saw his effort saved by Adrian.

Then the Blues had the ball in the net when Azpilicueta bundled home after Liverpool failed to clear. However, the goal was chalked off for offside in the build-up after a VAR check.

As the narrative goes, Liverpool went two ahead three minutes later. Another free-kick, whipped in by Robertson, and Firmino with a free header beat Kepa. More shoddy marking from Chelsea and suddenly, the deficit was looking unassailable.

After the break, the hosts came out with more attacking intent and got their reward when Kante ran through the Liverpool defence and curled a stunning effort into the top corner.

Chelsea threw everything they had at the stern Liverpool defence, with Mount and substitute Michy Batshuayi missing great chances late on. But Liverpool held on to go five points clear at the top once again.