Liverpool FC crest
Liverpool FC

Mane (51)
Salah (53)

FT
2 - 0
Premier League
16:30 Sun 14th Apr 2019
Location: Anfield
Chelsea crest
Chelsea

16:30 Sun 14th Apr 2019
16:30 Sun 14th Apr 2019 Anfield

Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea: Live matchday blog

Liverpool kept their Premier League title challenge firmly on course as goals from Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah secured a 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Anfield.

Post-match

Reaction from Anfield

Another incredible afternoon is now drawing to a conclusion - and you can catch up on reaction and talking points from Anfield below. Thanks for following the game with us, see you on Wednesday.

Post-match

Virgil van Dijk reaction

"We just focus on our game. We have a massive game in the Champions League first and then we are off to Cardiff, which is going to be tough as well, so we'll see," the No.4 told Sky Sports.

"I'm always happy when my team wins but things can change. It is how it is and for now, we need to enjoy it but we have another big game on Wednesday."

Post-match

Jordan Henderson reaction

"There was a period in the second half where we blew them away a little bit, when we were on top," the captain told Sky Sports.

"We could have scored a few more but they had a couple of good chances as well so we had to be careful of that. Overall, it is a good performance because Chelsea are a good side."

Post-match

Top of the league

And on it goes... Liverpool leapfrog Manchester City to take a two-point lead at the summit having played a game more than the reigning champions

Full Time

Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea

It's all over at Anfield and Liverpool, as the home supporters sing proudly, are top of the league.

A clinical header from Mane and Salah's unstoppable thunderbolt in the second half are enough to overcome Chelsea.

What a win.

90

Three minutes added on at Anfield

89

Substitution

Shaqiri is on for Salah.

89

Chance

A more trademark route to goal by Mane this time, the Senegalese sprinting past Christensen and forcing Kepa to tip his smack into the Kop crowd.

87

Mane almost pounces on Kepa as the 'keeper tries to shepherd possession outside his area but the No.10 can't quite get the ball under control after robbing it with the angle to goal narrowing.

80

Firmino draws a save from Kepa with a drive, before Alexander-Arnold importantly cuts out a cross destined to reach Barkley's surge into the Liverpool box. No drop in the pace at Anfield.

76

Substitution

And the Reds send on Milner for Henderson, who picked up a knock just before the switch.

75

Substitution

Chelsea introduce Barkley for Loftus-Cheek.

72

Liverpool have regained an element of control here and are now pushing for a third, with Alexander-Arnold sending a low shot into Kepa's grasp after deliciously spinning around Higuain on the left.

68

Match shots

142 seconds of joy at Anfield.

66

Substitution

Wijnaldum comes on for Keita for Liverpool.

65

Salah aims his sights again, this one from inside the box, but his curler towards the near post is caught quite comfortably by Kepa.

60

Chance

And again.

Hazard is picked out in the middle of the box and this time his prod at goal is saved by Alisson and Van Dijk sweeps up the rebound to clear.

59

Chance

A big let-off for Liverpool.

Hazard ghosts in behind to collect a pass over the top and is one-on-one with Alisson but his low effort bounces back off the left post and away from danger.

57

Anfield is bouncing at the moment and Firmino goes close to a third with a bobbling hit from the right corner of the area - just wide.

56

Substitution

Change for Chelsea - Higuain comes on for Hudson-Odoi.

53

Goal

GOALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!! SALAH!!!!

Absolutely spectacular.

This is something special.

Salah dips in from the right flank and unleashes a rising screamer into the far left corner to prompt pandemonium inside Anfield. You'll be seeing replays of that one forever.

Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea

51

Goal

GOAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!! MANE!!!!!

Breakthrough, Liverpool!

Salah and Henderson keep the ball alive in the area and the skipper digs out a stunning, dinked cross to the back post, where Mane is waiting to head beyond Kepa and send Anfield wild.

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

48

Early sight of goal for Keita as Firmino diverts a throw-in back to the edge of the Chelsea box, but his ambitious volley is harmless.

46

Kick-Off

We're back under way at Anfield.

Come on, Liverpool!

Half-time

A roar from the Kop as the Reds emerge from the tunnel.

The second half is upon us.

Half-time

Latest odds

BetVictor's updated prices at half-time are as follows.

Liverpool - 19/20
Draw - 7/4
Chelsea - 9/2

Click here for more details.

Half-time

Here are the stats from the first half...

Half Time

Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

There's nothing to separate the teams after 45 minutes at Anfield, with the lively nature of the game yet to truly translate into real opportunities.

44

Yellow Card

Azpilicueta booked for hauling down Mane on the flank.

40

Substitution

Chelsea are forced to make a switch - Christensen replaces the injured Rudiger.

38

Chance

After something of a lull, it's Liverpool with the next opening and Mane is close.

The Reds turn over possession and switch the ball quickly to Salah, who picks out his teammate in the middle - he just can't wrap his foot around the strike enough to curl it inside the post, though.

30

Chance

And it's a big one for Chelsea.

Luiz's clearance releases Willian in the left channel and he arcs through the recovering Reds to find a shooting position, only to snap his finish off target into the Kop.

26

Chance

A lovely move from the Reds sees Salah knock down Fabinho's clipped pass to Henderson - but the Liverpool captain's clean drive from the edge of the box is blocked away by Luiz. Unlucky.

21

Anfield remembers the 96

The mosaic formed on the Kop before kick-off.

20

Chance

Hazard beats the offside trap to sneak in behind Matip and, after twisting and turning around the Liverpool centre-back, his low drive is saved by Alisson.

19

Keita is influencing this match once again and the No.8 gets into space on the left wing but his prodded cross is directed too close to Kepa and the Chelsea stopper collects.

14

Salah tries to beat Luiz along the byline and goes down under the defender's awkward challenge - but the referee dismisses appeals for a penalty.

12

Match shot

Brazilians in battle.

9

Anfield bursts into noise after Chelsea threaten a counter-attack but Fabinho stretches out a leg to hook the ball away from Hazard. The Belgian receives treatment but seems fine to continue.

6

Chance

And immediately an opportunity.

Keita springs the ball out to Mane on the left flank and the No.10's lofted cross finds Salah in space at the back post - but the Egyptian's well-struck shot is too close to Kepa in the Chelsea goal.

5

No goalmouth action to report as yet but the Reds have taken control of possession in the early stages.

2

Remember, you can analyse the action as it happens with the interactive Opta chalkboard below...

1

Kick-Off

And Liverpool get us under way...

Pre-match

Never forgotten

Before kick-off, Anfield observed an impeccable minute's silence in memory of the 96 supporters who lost their lives at Hillsborough, on the eve of the tragedy's 30th anniversary.

Pre-match

Almost time

The two teams have emerged from the tunnel and we're just a few minutes away from kick-off at Anfield.

Pre-match

Here come the Reds...

Pre-match

As it stands

Manchester City have secured a 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace in the day's opening match, meaning the reigning champions have moved a point above Liverpool before kick-off at Anfield.

Pre-match

The home dressing room

Step inside the Reds' quarters...

Pre-match

The formations

Here's how Opta expect the sides to shape up at Anfield...

Pre-match

TEAM NEWS

Two changes for Liverpool against Chelsea from the team deployed against FC Porto in midweek - Andy Robertson and Joel Matip return in defence in place of James Milner and Dejan Lovren.

Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Keita, Henderson, Mane, Salah, Firmino.

Subs: Mignolet, Wijnaldum, Lovren, Milner, Sturridge, Shaqiri, Origi.

Pre-match

Alisson on duty

Pre-match media obligations handled by the 'keeper today.

Pre-match

What a win

It's full-time at the King Power Stadium and Liverpool's U23s have claimed a 6-0 victory over Leicester City. More to follow on Liverpoolfc.com shortly.

Pre-match

Chelsea paid their respects to the 96 children, women and men who lost their lives at Hillsborough by laying a wreath at the memorial earlier today on behalf of the club.

Pre-match

Sarri says

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri outlined his respect for the Reds ahead of the trip to Anfield, though feels his side are capable of a positive result this afternoon.

"To face Liverpool is going to be difficult for us but every game now is difficult," he said.

"Liverpool are one of the best teams in England right now, they reached the final of the Champions League last year, and at Anfield it is always difficult.

"We know well the risks of this match but we also know that when we are able to play at 100 per cent of our potential, we can gain points anywhere. We are in a very good physical and mental condition right now."

Pre-match

Anfield awaits

Pre-match

Alisson has revealed the extent Liverpool supporters inside Anfield can help Jürgen Klopp's side this afternoon.

Speaking to the matchday programme, the Brazilian goalkeeper said: "Their support gives confidence to us. When we are having a bad day they can give our team something, give us energy to try to find our best form.

"When we are playing good, when we are doing our best inside the pitch, they give even more energy.

"Even when you think you are tired they scream, shout and sing songs. This is very important because it puts energy into your body and your mind. It keeps you focused and this is always important for us."

Pre-match

Stat attack

Here are the facts and figures you need to know ahead of kick-off...

  • This is Klopp's 200th match in charge of Liverpool in all competitions; he has overseen 111 victories so far - a record only Kenny Dalglish (118) and Rafael Benitez (115) can better
  • Firmino - who has scored seven in his last six Premier League appearances at Anfield - is two short of 50 league goals for the club

  • Georginio Wijnaldum could make his 100th league appearance for the Reds
  • Klopp's side have scored 21 times during the last 15 minutes of Premier League matches this season, including seven in the last six games
Pre-match

Ox, Gomez and Brewster in action

Liverpool U23s face Leicester City in a 1pm BST kick-off today - and they have Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Joe Gomez and Rhian Brewster in their starting XI.

The first-team trio will build up fitness in the Premier League 2 clash at the King Power Stadium. We'll have a full match report later on Sunday.

Liverpool U23s: George, Gomez, Lewis, Hoever, Johnston, Coyle, Camacho, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Brewster, Woodburn, Jones.

Substitutes: Christie-Davies, Atherton, Masterson, McAuley, Gallacher.

Pre-match

Weather

*drum roll*

Here it is, the Liverpoolfc.com matchday blog weather update™.

It's an overcast day in Anfield at the moment and our weather sources (yes, OK, Google) tell us the temperature will hover around nine degrees for the duration of the game. That's jacket weather, in our book.

Pre-match

What are the odds?

BetVictor offer the following match prices today.

Liverpool - 3/4
Draw - 29/10
Chelsea - 4/1

Click here for more details.

Pre-match

Missing Men

Our latest poser takes you back to an Anfield clash with Chelsea in September 1996, when Patrik Berger starred for the Reds in a 5-1 win.

We've given you three of the Liverpool starting XI - but can you name the rest? Click the graphic to reveal the answers...

Pre-match

Klopp's message

The manager rejected suggestions that the 2014 edition of this fixture and its consequences has any bearing on today's meeting with Chelsea.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Klopp - who was named Premier League Manager of the Month for March on Friday - said: "We want to write our own history.

"If we do that, you can only build on the positives of the past and learn from the negatives of the past. But don't try to avoid the mistakes of the past because that always leads in the wrong direction.

"We have to do it really positively, really front-footed; that's how we did it the whole season and hopefully we can do that on Sunday again."

Pre-match

Never forgotten

Today's matchday programme cover remembers the 96.

Pre-match

LFC to mark 30th anniversary of Hillsborough

Respects will be paid to the 96 children, women and men who died in the Hillsborough disaster ahead of kick-off at Anfield today.

On the eve of the anniversary of the tragedy, a minute's silence will be observed, commemorative mosaics will be formed on the Kop and Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand, and the players will wear black armbands.

More details on how the club will mark the 30th anniversary of Hillsborough are available here.

Pre-match

Last time out

The Reds are back at Anfield just five days after taking control of their Champions League quarter-final with FC Porto by winning the first leg 2-0, through goals from Keita and Firmino.

See the story of that game from a different view with Inside Anfield...

Pre-match

Key battles

So, where might this one be won and lost?

We've taken a look at three individual battles that could influence the outcome, featuring Alexander-Arnold, Roberto Firmino and Naby Keita. Click here to read our preview.

Pre-match

Three years ago today...

... one of the most incredible nights in Anfield history unfolded as Klopp's new club somehow saw off his former team in a Europa League tie that had it all.

Sit back and listen to that noise...

Pre-match

Tale of the tape

Take a look at all of the numbers behind both Liverpool and Chelsea's Premier League seasons so far with the interactive Opta tool below...

Pre-match

Trent's title thinking

Trent Alexander-Arnold has spoken to The Times about a range of subjects, including - of course - Liverpool's quest for Premier League title success.

And, having been a ball boy when the Reds' hopes were dented by Chelsea in 2014, the right-back will do everything to make it different this time.

"Everybody watching the season will have respect for both [Liverpool and City]. Not being big-headed or anything but our team has shown it's world-class and one of the best in recent years in the Premier League," said Alexander-Arnold.

"Going toe-to-toe with one of the best, if not the best, Premier League teams ever in City is astonishing. Whether it's us or any other team, that deserves respect.

"Who knows what will happen? The only thing we can give is our all."

Pre-match

The last meeting

When these sides met earlier in the season, it was *a little bit* dramatic.

Over to you, Daniel Sturridge...

Pre-match

Inside Melwood

Our photographers checked in on the Reds' preparations for Chelsea's visit by snapping Thursday's training session - and you can take a look behind the scenes in the gallery below...

Pre-match

The manager's thoughts

Catch up with everything Klopp had to say about this game - and there was plenty - during Friday's pre-match press conference at Melwood...

Pre-match

Team news

Liverpool can welcome back Andy Robertson from Champions League suspension for this one, while Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum are expected to be available after minor issues.

Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are unlikely to feature as Jürgen Klopp carefully manages their recoveries.

For Chelsea, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Emerson Palmieri missed the Europa League win at Slavia Prague on Thursday, where Maurizio Sarri made seven changes.

Pre-match

How it stands

A reminder, in the unlikely event you need it, of the situation at the top of the Premier League...

Pre-match

Are you ready?

It's another big day in the Premier League title race as Liverpool, who lead the table before a ball is kicked, host Chelsea at Anfield.

Stick right here with us throughout the day for comprehensive build-up, live match updates and reaction from the stadium as it happens.

And stop biting your fingernails.