The 42

CURTIS JONES scored the winner as Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Chelsea.

The Reds midfielder capped a superb display when he struck at the back post moments after Nicolas Jackson’s 48th-minute effort had cancelled out Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty at Anfield.

It was a strong response from Arne Slot’s side after champions Manchester City had won earlier on Sunday to temporarily move into first place.

Liverpool have now won 10 out of their first 11 games under their new Dutch boss and their performance and resolve in what was arguably their toughest test to date was impressive.

Their defence largely held up strongly, with backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher well-protected for most of the game.

Chelsea battled hard themselves, although they did have some early scares, firstly when Salah struck the ball at the arm of Levi Colwill outside the box but nothing was given.

Colwill then had another let-off when he bundled Diogo Jota over just inside the visitors’ half as he raced onto a long ball.

Arsenal’s William Saliba was controversially sent off in similar circumstances on Saturday but a booking was deemed sufficient.

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez also had a heart-in-mouth moment when he kicked the ball straight to Cody Gakpo but he recovered.

Despite those moments of alarm, Chelsea generally settled well and subdued the home crowd with a sustained spell of possession.

The visitors were starting to ask questions of the Liverpool backline when the game burst into life just before the half-hour mark.

Liverpool quickly turned defence into attack after Jones blocked a shot from Cole Palmer.

Salah broke clear down the right and stayed on his feet after being fouled by Colwill. The Egyptian continued his run but then went down in the area as Colwill came in to challenge for a second time.

Nothing was given but referee John Brooks was soon pointing to the spot for a Colwill foul on Jones after a Salah shot was blocked.

Salah tucked away the penalty and then teed up Gakpo but this time the offside flag was raised.

Chelsea responded with Jackson lashing a shot against the outside of a post but Liverpool thought they had been awarded a second penalty before the break.

Jones was again the player impeded as he collided with Sanchez after being slipped in by Darwin Nunez — on for the injured Jota — but the decision was overturned following a VAR review.

Palmer shot over just before the break and Chelsea levelled in the opening minutes of the second half as Jackson found the bottom corner after being fed by Moises Caicedo.

The flag was initially raised but VAR proved his run was perfectly timed.

Parity did not last long as Liverpool restored their lead moments later, Jones making a superb late run to turn in Salah’s low ball at the back post.

Chelsea came back but Palmer shot into a crowded area and lively substitute Pedro Neto drove wide.

Chelsea applied pressure until the end but were unable to find a way through as Liverpool dug deep and held on.

Written by Press Association and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.