Liverpool cruised past Chelsea 4-1 at Anfield on Wednesday to restore their five-point lead at the Premier League summit. Express Sport takes a look at four talking points as Jurgen Klopp essentially finds a new signing to save millions and Darwin Nunez continues to rain chaos down on Merseyside.
Conor Bradley is Anfield’s new star
The ongoing conversation about Trent Alexander-Arnold drifting into a midfield role has sparked speculation over whether Liverpool will look to sign a new right-back in the summer.
But Conor Bradley has removed the need. The 20-year-old has now registered seven direct goal contributions in his first 14 Liverpool appearances, including a goal and two assists against Chelsea.
Bradley put the ball on a plate for Diogo Jota’s opener before spectacularly scoring his first senior goal to make it 2-0 later in the first half. After the break, he teed up Dominik Szoboszlai for Liverpool’s third.
Klopp could be leaving Liverpool with two unbelievable right-back options and a natural successor to Alexander-Arnold if central midfield becomes his primary position.
Jurgen Klopp earns landmark win
Christopher Nkunku scored a consolation goal for the visitors before Luis Diaz added a fourth less than 10 minutes later to secure the 4-1 triumph.
It’s Klopp’s 200th win in his 318th Premier League game in charge of Liverpool, becoming the seventh manager to reach the landmark in the competition’s history.
Victory over Chelsea also makes him the second-fastest to reach the 200 mark after Pep Guardiola, who won 200 of his first 269 games as Manchester City boss.
He will be more interested in beating Guardiola to the Premier League title for just the second time, though.
Darwin Nunez makes unwanted history
Darwin Nunez might not be the most reliable finisher but he always promises chaotic entertainment and a genuine attacking threat.
The £85million Uruguayan became the first player on record in Premier League history to hit the woodwork four times in a single match against Chelsea.
That included a first-half penalty miss, but he made up for it by providing the assist for Diaz’s fourth later in the match.
Nunez has registered 11 goals and 11 assists in 34 games in all competitions this season. He’s also hit the woodwork an astonishing 12 times.
Early Carabao Cup statement made
Liverpool and Chelsea will meet again in a rematch of the 2022 Carabao Cup final near the end of February.
The Reds got the better of Chelsea two years ago, lifting their ninth Carabao Cup by winning on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
But Klopp will be confident of clinching a 10th at Wembley Stadium, and his side will have all the momentum heading into the clash.
Liverpool have lost just one of their last 12 meetings with Chelsea. And Wednesday’s win ended an incredible seven-match run of draws in normal time between the clubs.
