- Ramires gave Chelsea lead
- Coutinho struck twice
- Klopp’s first win in PL
- Chelsea lose 6th game in 11
Chelsea lost 3-1 to Liverpool on Saturday at Stamford Bridge as Jose Mourinho’s side gave up an early lead with their dreadful run continuing.
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Ramires put the Blues ahead in the fourth minute but a brilliant goal right on half time from Philippe Coutinho leveled things up and sucked the life out of Chelsea. Late on in the second half Coutinho added a second, then Christian Benteke jumped off the bench to add a third as Jurgen Klopp secured his first Premier League win as Liverpool boss and the Reds heaped more pressure onto Mourinho.
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With the win Liverpool momentarily moved on to 17 points and sit just behind the top four, while Chelsea remain on 11 points and just above the relegation zone.
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It was a perfect start for Mourinho’s men as Ramires headed home Cesar Azpilicueta’s cross four minutes in to celebrate his new contract in style. 1-0 to the Blues. Soon after Willian clipped in a delicious free kick which was almost tapped hom by John Terry but the offside flag was raised.
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Liverpool came back into the game before half time but they struggled to create any clear-cut chances as they played without a target forward and Roberto Firmino couldn’t influence the game. Adam Lallana and Lucas Leiva both had tame efforts straight at Asmir Begovic but the first half ended as it started, with a bang. Referee Mark Clattenburg played an extra 30 seconds of stoppage time and Liverpool take full advantage of that as the ball found Coutinho on the edge of the box and he curled home a beauty to sink a dagger into the heart of Chelsea’s fans and players. 1-1 right on half time. Game on.
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In the second half Liverpool started brightly as they were buoyed by that equalizer late in the first half an Klopp was involved with a member of Chelsea’s backroom staff as he was told to calm down. Chelsea looked devoid of confidence in the second half as Eden Hazard had another outing to forget and was replaced by Brazilian winger Kenedy on the hour mark. The game was sparked into life by some meaty challenges as first Costa could have seen red for appearing to kick out at Martin Skrtel, then Lucas was lucky to stay on the pitch after committing a silly foul whilst already on a yellow.
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Christian Benteke arrived in the 64th minute for James Milner and the Belgian forward. In the closing stages Oscar tried to lob Mignolet from distance but Liverpool’s goalkeeper clawed the ball wide after that audacious effort and the game finished at a frantic pace with both teams hoping to seal the win. Coutinho then grabbed his and Liverpool’s second as Sakho’s ball was nodded down by Benteke and Coutinho’s shot deflected off Terry and in. 2-1. Alberto Moreno went close to extending Liverpool’s lead and Benteke did with a low strike late on as Klopp is still unbeaten as Liverpool manager and Chelsea’s horrendous season goes from bad to worse.