Conor Bradley produced a masterful exhibiting as Liverpool thrashed Chelsea 4-1, showcasing their Premier League title credentials.
Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea
Premier League (22), Anfield
January 31, 2024
Objectives: Jota 23′, Bradley 39′, Szoboszlai 65′, Diaz 79′; Nkunku 71′
Alisson (out of 10) – 8
This was nothing greater than a usually straightforward night time for Alisson, who wasn’t examined a lot however handled every part that got here his means.
He got here out shortly to assert a ball early on as Raheem Sterling raced via, and his dealing with and distribution had been faultless.
Might do nothing about Christopher Nkunku’s objective.
Conor Bradley – 10 (Man of the Match)
Bradley has impressed a lot of late, however this was one other stage from him – a efficiency for the ages, in actual fact.
He received assists for Diogo Jota and Dominik Szoboszlai‘s targets – that’s now 5 in his final 4 video games – nevertheless it received even higher, as he buried an excellent end for his first-ever Liverpool strike.
The best-back was a pleasure to look at in each side of his sport, and the reception he acquired when he was substituted was genuinely-earned.
A masterclass that Trent would have been pleased with.
Ibrahima Konate – 9
Konate has been imperious this season and he was no completely different right here, as he even outperformed Virgil van Dijk.
Every thing that the Frenchman did was purposeful, whether or not or not it’s his use of the ball or chew within the sort out, and his tempo assist mopped up plenty of potential counter-attacks.
The second-best centre-back within the Premier League at the moment.
Virgil van Dijk – 8
The Liverpool captain returned to the beginning lineup after a weekend breather, and he coasted via a lot of the sport.
He was presumably fortunate to not concede two penalties, nevertheless – VAR determined neither had been spot-kicks – so he wasn’t good by his ridiculous requirements.
Nonetheless, Van Dijk was dominant general, as his nice season continues.
Joe Gomez – 8
Gomez continued at left-back regardless of the return of Andy Robertson, and he was but once more spectacular.
The 26-year-old sprayed some good passes and saved Noni Madueke quiet, though he didn’t come near breaking his objective duck.
What an incredible performer he has grow to be this season.
Alexis Mac Allister – 9
Mac Allister’s return was an enormous enhance for Liverpool and he was magnificent in entrance of the defence, producing a lot class in possession.
In tight areas, he was press-resistant and able to breaking the strains, and he was additionally ferocious off the ball, urgent and tackling at will.
It’s truthful to say he received the higher of former Brighton team-mate Moises Caicedo – hopefully his late harm isn’t a critical one.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 8
Szoboszlai was handed his first begin for the reason that 4-2 win over Newcastle on New 12 months’s Day, and for giant chunks he was stable greater than something.
One good long-range cross highlighted his easy pure potential, as did a beautiful dummy, however his trade and self-discipline stood out essentially the most.
Then he went and scored a bullet header, nevertheless, incomes him an additional level.
Curtis Jones – 8
Jones has arguably been Liverpool’s greatest midfielder this season, and like Szoboszlai, he was a key cog within the machine greater than a star man.
The Reds hero was denied by a very good save from Dordje Petrovic within the first half, however in any other case, he saved issues ticking over and labored arduous.
Diogo Jota – 10
Has Jota ever performed higher than this for Liverpool?
As soon as once more, the Portuguese performed an enormous function in a Reds win, bundling via tackles and ending properly to present Jurgen Klopp‘s aspect the lead.
He additionally received the penalty that Darwin Nunez missed and he was a relentless pest to Chelsea‘s defenders, preventing relentlessly for the trigger.
An absolute winner.
Luis Diaz – 9
Diaz began in his customary left-sided function with Mohamed Salah nonetheless unavailable, and he was glorious.
The Colombian gave Axel Disasi loads of worries and it was his cross that teed-up Bradley to make it 2-0 earlier than half-time.
Scored his eighth objective of the season, firing house in entrance of the Kop, and his high quality and endeavour epitomised Liverpool’s efficiency.
Darwin Nunez – 8
Nunez’s type has been so promising in latest matches and this was a completely wild efficiency from him.
A number of efforts noticed him denied by the crossbar or the put up – he had numerous different strikes – however his missed penalty was disappointing.
By no means out of the sport, unpredictable, a lot enjoyable and assisted Diaz – a little bit extra ruthlessness would have made for an unbelievable exhibiting.
Substitutes
Trent Alexander-Arnold (on for Bradley, 67′) – 7
Oozed class – and little doubt wished to remind individuals he exists after Bradley’s show!
Andy Robertson (on for Gomez, 67′) – 6
Pretty quiet, however did a stable job.
Harvey Elliott (on for Szoboszlai, 67′) – 6
Feisty cameo, however has had greater impacts this season.
Cody Gakpo (on for Jota, 67′) – 7
Regarded vigorous as Liverpool threatened to run riot.
Bobby Clark (on for Jones, 82′) – 6
Not sufficient time to make a correct impression.
Subs not used: Kelleher, Quansah, McConnell, Gravenberch
Jurgen Klopp – 10
Klopp could also be leaving this summer season, however he has made it clear that focus received’t be affected between now and the top of the season.
It was arduous to have any qualms about his beginning XI, with Alexander-Arnold and Robertson needing to be eased again in, and his religion in Bradley couldn’t have paid off any extra handsomely.
The Liverpool supervisor cherished that second, and far of his group’s efficiency, and they’re purring forward of Sunday’s journey to Arsenal.
Win that and we actually can begin to dream!
