Liverpool reclaim top spot as Curtis Jones downs Chelsea after penalty drama - 5 talking points

Liverpool responded to by beating to return to the top of the Premier League table through Curtis Jones' winner.

opened the scoring against his former club, blasting home from the penalty spot after Levi Colwill fouled Curtis Jones. They thought they had a second shortly after the half-hour mark, but Salah had strayed just offside before rolling the ball across for to tap home.

Referee John Brooks pointed to the spot for a second time in first-half stoppage time, with Jones the player felled once more. The second penalty award was overruled, though, with Robert Sanchez found to have made contact with the ball before colliding with the man.

That meant Chelsea went in just one goal behind at half-time, and were level within five minutes as Nicolas Jackson stayed onside to slot home - with the goal confirmed after a lengthy VAR check. Jones restored his team's lead just moments later, though, sending the Reds top after a seventh win from eight matches in the league.

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Both teams were forced into changes before the match, with Liverpool's goalkeeper situation the most notable. Both teams also welcomed some first teamers back late from South American World Cup qualifiers, with Luis Diaz and Enzo Fernandez starting on the bench for their respective clubs.

There was an early scare for Chelsea as Diogo Jota threatened to break free for Liverpool, forcing Tosin into an early yellow card for bringing down the Portuguese forward. Liverpool's half-time lead reflected a period in which they had the bulk of the chances, but the contest came even more to life with Jackson's leveller.

Had Chelsea kept themselves level longer, it could have got even more interesting, but Jones' goal came at a perfect time for the hosts and they successfully kept their opponents at arm's length. Here are Mirror Football 's talking points from Anfield.

1. Jones involved in everything

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It was the Curtis Jones show at Anfield. The academy graduate was important in keeping Liverpool level at 0-0 when he made a crucial block to deny Cole Palmer, and was felled for the go-ahead penalty a couple of minutes later.

A second penalty wasn't to follow before the break, but a goal would arrive for the all-action midfielder. He timed his run perfectly to get on the end of Salah's teasing cross to poke the ball beyond the despairing Sanchez.

Since bursting onto the scene as a teenager, Jones has endured a stop-start career with injuries playing a part. This was much more like the player who fans enjoyed seeing rise through the ranks under long before Arne Slot's arrival at Anfield.

2. Chelsea's penalty frustration

Both teams had penalty appeals turned down before Salah had his opportunity to score from the spot. However, while there was an argument he initiated contact with Colwill - with referee John Brooks ordering Salah back to his feet - the rejected appeal at the other end left Chelsea furious.

At first glance, there might not have looked like there was much in the coming-together between and Jadon Sancho. On closer examination, though, the Blues winger might have had a case.

Things could have got even worse for Enzo Maresca's side at the end of the first half when Brooks pointed to the spot for the second time. Thankfully for the Blues, though, a VAR reprieve swiftly followed.

3. Kelleher begins a longer audition

made his 50th Liverpool appearance on Sunday afternoon, and it could be the first in a run which plays a big role in determining what comes next for the Irishman. Injuries to Alisson have provided him with opportunities, but he has recognised he might need a move to secure regular first-team football.

There wasn't a great deal for him to do in the first half, save for one confident punch when the ball was floated into the box. He might not be delighted with his part in the equaliser early in the second period, though, with Jackson given plenty of the goal to aim at.

At the other end, it was a challenging afternoon for Chelsea keeper Sanchez. His concession of a penalty might have been overturned, but the Spaniard's distribution brought unneeded pressure on his team on more than one occasion.

4. Reece James' valuable minutes

Chelsea captain last started a match in December 2023, lasting 27 minutes against at Goodison Park. You have to go back to April that year for the last time he completed a full 90, with injuries limiting him to just 10 Premier League outings since the start of last season.

There was one unconvincing first-half moment, with James all at sea as Jones found space for the penalty that ultimately wasn't. His afternoon came to an end early in the second half, moments after Liverpool's second goal, but there's every chance that was planned before the game.

Chelsea's big squad means they ought to be able to cope better than some of their rivals with any injuries which may arise. Regardless, being able to wecome back their skipper represents a mental boost in a season with plenty of football left to play.

5. More injury pain for Jota

Diogo Jota is another who has had horrible luck with injuries. The former star missed the 2022 World Cup, and also sat out some important games at the tail end of last season with knee and hip issues.

Jota has looked sharp this season, delivering two goals and two assists in the league. The second of those goals came before the international break to give Liverpool all three points against , and he'd have been keen to build on that before injury struck.

now faces a wait to learn how long he'll be without the forward. Darwin Nunez is far from the worst back-up to have, but the boss will still hope it's not a long lay-off.

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