Reactions As Liverpool Defeat Chelsea 4-1 To Boost Title Hopes

Liverpool recorded a controversial 4-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday night to boost their Premier League title hopes.

The Reds needed a win to maintain their lead on top of the table after Arsenal and Manchester City won their games, and the players responded in an emphatic fashion to blow Chelsea away.

The Blues struggled to contain the hosts in the opening minutes of the game as Liverpool cut through their defence at will.

Chelsea’s first attacking move saw Gallagher brought down in the 18-yard box, but the referee waved aside the penalty shout to the frustration of the visitors.

Darwin Nunes hit the post twice in quick succession early in the game before Jota opened the scoring for Liverpool with a close range finish 23rd minute.

Young star Conor Bradley increased the lead with a stunning run and a sublime finish after Chelsea were caught napping defensively.

Nunez missed from the penalty spot after Jota was brought down in the box. His effort hit the bar and the first half ended 2-0 in favour of Liverpool.

Pochettino responded by taking off the ineffective trio of Conor Gallagher, Ben Chilwell and Noni Madueke for Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto and Mykhailo Mudryk.

The changes improved Chelsea but they still struggled to deal with the intensity of Liverpool.

Nkunku gave Chelsea a beacon of hope with a superb finish in the 71st minute following a good work from Carney Chukwuemeka.

Minutes later, Mudryk missed a glorious opportunity to make it 2-2 when in a good position before Chelsea were denied another penalty after Van Dijk fouled Nkunku.

Dominik Szoboszlai made it 3-1 with a clinical header, and Luis Diaz completed the rout in the 79th minute to condemn Chelsea to another defeat.

Liverpool are now five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

Meanwhile, football fans have taken to social media to slam the decision not to award Chelsea the two penalties in the game.

Conn admitted on X that Chelsea didn’t come to the party but believed the Blues were robbed. He said: “I don’t care how bad Chelsea were. A penalty is a penalty and Chelsea were robbed of two. If that happened to Klopp, he would’ve made a documentary on how bad the referees are”.

Felix Johnston also towed the same line, saying, “I don’t generally believe in corruption in football, but we’ve had 2 literal stone wall penalties denied today. It’s an actual joke at Anfield Klopp’s farewell, Not surprised.”

Nein criticised Pochettino for Chelsea’s poor showing in the game.

He said: Yes, the penalties should’ve been given, but that doesn’t excuse this managerial performance. Absolutely embarrassing preparation and setup in this game. Pochettino gave us no chance to compete, and when you combine that with the refs we had no chance.”

Sports Dokita used the opportunity to wax lyrical about VAR at the ongoing Nations Cup and to criticise the use of the technology in the Premier League. He said: “See how we were enjoying AFCON with no VAR controversy but we’re back to watching the EPL with their VAR. How is that foul on Nkunku not a penalty”.

Up next for Klopp’s men is a trip to Arsenal on Sunday, while Chelsea will welcome Wolves to Stamford Bridge on the same day.