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Liverpool vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League result and final score after Diaz goal and Nkunku penalty appeal

Liverpool 4-1 Chelsea: Jurgen Klopp’s side went five points clear with a dominant display at Anfield

Michael Jones
Wednesday 31 January 2024 18:13 EST
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Klopp insists show goes on at ‘stable' Liverpool: 'Give us a break’

Liverpool put Chelsea to the sword at Anfield as Jurgen Klopp saw his side move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a thumping win over the Blues.

Liverpool made a fast start as Darwin Nunez hit the crossbar and saw a shot tipped onto the post by Chelsea goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic, but the hosts were perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty when Conor Gallagher was clipped by Virgil van Dijk in the box.

Diogo Jota then powered through the Chelsea defence to fire Liverpool ahead, before Conor Bradley produced a stunning finish to double their lead with his first goal for the club. It could have been three at half-time had Nunez then converted a penalty, but the striker hit the post again.

Mauricio Pochettino made a triple change at the break but despite a brief improvement, Liverpool made it three as Bradley set up Dominik Szoboszlai’s header in front of the Kop. Christopher Nkunku pulled one back with his first Chelsea goal, and then could have had a penalty when Van Dijk clipped him from behind.

But Luiz Diaz then added a fourth and Klopp could afford to make changes ahead of Sunday’s trip to third-place Arsenal. Follow all the action from Anfield below plus get the latest odds and tips right here:

HT Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea

(REUTERS)
(PA)
(PA)
Mike Jones31 January 2024 21:12

Half-time! Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea

45+4 mins: The whistle goes to end an enthralling first half. Liverpool have dominated throughout and should be three, or more, goals ahead.

Darwin Nunez’s missed penalty has given Chelsea a slight chance of a comeback in the second half but they’ll need to score the next goal.

Mike Jones31 January 2024 21:07

Missed! Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea

45+2 mins: Darwin Nunez steps up to take the penalty for Liverpool. He sends the goalkeeper the wrong way as he sidefoots his effort towards the right side.

The ball lands smack in the middle of the post and bounces away!

Mike Jones31 January 2024 21:02

Penalty to Liverpool!

Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea

45 mins: A switch of play flicks the ball into the box where Virgil van Dijk chests the ball down to Diogo Jota. As he’s collecting the ball, Benoit Badisahile steps on his foot and Jota hits the deck.

The referee points straight at the spot.

Mike Jones31 January 2024 21:01

Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea

42 mins: Another VAR check was needed to see whether a tangle between Jota and Chilwell played a part in the goal but the video referee says that the goal stands.

Axel Disasi earns himself a yellow card. It’s the third one Chelsea have collected. Things aren’t going well at all for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

Mike Jones31 January 2024 20:57

GOAL! Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea (Bradley, 39’)⚽️

39 mins: What a finish!

It’s the youngster for Liverpool who adds a second. Luis Diaz receives the ball in the middle of the park, shrugs off a tackle and feeds it over to Bradley on the right side of the pitch.

He’s made advancing runs all night and this time goes it alone, carrying the ball into the box before sliding a wonderful finish into the far bottom corner.

Mike Jones31 January 2024 20:55

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

36 mins: Dominik Szoboszlai takes a free kick about 25-yards out from goal and drills his shot straight into the wall. Liverpool look to recycle the ball and maintain the attack but Chelsea get out quickly and force them to retreat.

When Chelsea do regain possession they work it over to Ben Chilwell. He weaves and bobs his way into the box and goes to ground. Ibrahima Konate stuck out a leg but didn’t make contact with the Chelsea left back and Chilwell goes in the book for diving.

Mike Jones31 January 2024 20:50

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

33 mins: Gallagher is Chelsea’s driving force. He’s throwin himself around, making runs with the ball and trying to halt Liverpool’s momentum.

Curtis Jones is then hacked down by Enzo Fernandez who gets himself a yellow card.

Mike Jones31 January 2024 20:48

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

30 mins: There’s a confidence and a zip to Liverpool’s play. They’re working the ball from side to side and are taking shots whenever they get close to the box.

Curtis Jones curls a low effort towards goal and forces another sharp save out of Petrovic. The Chelsea goalkeeper is earning his spot tonight.

Mike Jones31 January 2024 20:46

Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea

26 mins: Liverpool deserved to take the lead. They’ve been the more proactive side so far in this match with the forward line linking up beautifully.

The intent has been there but now Chelsea need to respond.

Mike Jones31 January 2024 20:40

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