Maresca: We controlled most of the game

Chelsea manager Enzo Marseca told Sky Sports: “We don’t like to lose or drop points, but I really liked the performance.

“We deserved something more but the performance was good.

“We controlled most of the game. We had chances, we had possession. We don’t like to lose, but if we have to choose this is the way. The team was brave on and off the ball.

“I don’t think this game defines where we are. We prepared in the best way, it worked quite well. You have to take chances, but overall I am very happy with the players.”

On refereeing decisions: “I didn’t see anything in terms of decisions from the referee. The only thing I can see is in this stadium is is something the noise of the crowd.

“The only thing I can say is the referee is there to make decisions. Sometimes they are right, sometimes they are wrong. Sometimes it is because of the noise [of the crowd], but overall I think they did OK.”

Cole in the Palm of Jones’ hand

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones shared an exchange with his fellow Englishman Cole Palmer following the full-time whistle.

The pair won the Euro U21 trophy together under Three Lions interim boss Lee Carsley in the summer of 2023 but were direct rivals today.

Jones, who made a terrific block to deny Palmer a clear sight on goal in the first-half, then scored the winner in the same net later on.

Former Liverpool and Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge told Sky Sports: “I played with Curtis Jones and he has always had the ability.

“You can see he has grown up a lot and he kept Cole Palmer quiet today.

“Playing on that side of the pitch he has come with a goal and performed top-class.”

Darwin’s theory

Uruguayan reports earlier this week shared a fear that Liverpool Arne Slot isn’t giving Darwin Nunez a chance.

Fittingly, it was the big-money striker the Dutchman turned to once Diogo Jota had been forced off through injury after 30 minutes.

Nunez failed to get on the scoresheet but impressed in a very different type of performance in the scrappy 2-1 win over Chelsea.

The 25-year-old was unusually among Liverpool’s main creators in the first-half, teeing up Cody Gakpo for an early chance.

Curtis Jones’ second penalty which was later overturned was originally instigated by a Nunez through-ball.

After the break, the former Benfica man found himself in a personal tussle with Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashille.

Such was his defensive work Nunez was tracking back to dive into slide tackles while already on a yellow card.

Opportunities for himself to shoot were few and far between but the all-action performance will be just what Slot was after.

Jamie Carragher called Nunez’s performance ‘outstanding’ on Sky Sports following the full-time whistle.

James: ‘Scoreline doesn’t reflect the game’

Chelsea haven’t won any of their last 10 meetings with Liverpool across all competitions (D7 L3), while only once in their history have they had a longer winless run against the Reds (11 games – May 1985-October 1990).

However, captain Reece James, who made his first appearance of the season, feels his side can consider themselves unfortunate.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the England defender said: “Coming here is always tough. I think we controlled most of the game.

“They had chances but we had a few chances as well but didn’t take them.

“We are definitely moving in the right direction. The scoreline doesn’t reflect the game.

“If we step back and look at performances and what we are trying to do, we have come a long way. It is still early days, we haven’t been with the manager long.”

Liverpool star Jones on becoming a father

An incredible seven days for Curtis Jones, last Sunday he and his partner welcomed their first child, a baby girl, Giselle Delilah Jones.

A week on and he’s scored his first Premier League goal of the season with a dedicated celebration for his new daughter!

Jones added: “It’s the best thing ever. I’m playing with a smile on my face. It’s a different type of joy. I’m hoping my little girl will be proud and my girlfriend is at home with a smile on her face.

“I was in the spare room last night but she’s a little dream – you just change her, feed her and back to sleep.

“But I thought it was wise to stay in the spare room, so I was wide awake and had lots of energy.”

Jones reacts to goal: ‘Win most important’

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, to Sky Sports: “The win is the most important thing. I was involved a lot but I’m happy that we won.”

On his block on Cole Palmer: “We know how important he is and how many goals he scores, so I had it in my mind to keep him quiet and it is a huge part of their game gone.”

On the penalty decision: “I never dive. I felt the contact, went down and it was a penalty.”

On the overturned penalty: “I’ve not seen it. I know we collided but I’ve not seen it back so can’t really say.”

On his goal: “There’s been times when I have arrived in the box and it is a first-time finish.

“As soon as Mo [Salah] had the ball I made the run, but it bounced so I had to have a touch, and then thankfully it went in.”