Chelsea player ratings vs Liverpool: Reece James return a major boost despite defeat: Rare Cole Palmer off day | OneFootball

James was a surprise inclusion at Anfield as he made his first Premier League start in 10 months

Chelsea suffered their first Premier League defeat since the opening weekend of the season as Liverpool returned to the top of the table with a 2-1 win at Anfield.

Chelsea equalised soon after the break as Nicolas Jackson steered home from Moises Caicedo’s pass, only for Jones to restore Liverpool’s lead within three minutes from close range.

Here’s how Enzo Maresca’s side rated at Anfield...

Robert Sanchez 5

Almost gifted Cody Gakpo the opener, then saw VAR come to his aid after penalty initially awarded for challenge on Curtis Jones.

Reece James 5

A surprise inclusion for a first league start in 10 months. Classy and composed as ever on the ball, but looked more troubled when forced to chase Gakpo’s runs in behind. Failed to go with Jones for Liverpool second.

Tosin Adarabioyo 5

Brought in because of Wesley Fofana’s suspension but made shaky start. Took a chance brining down Jota on halfway and escaping with yellow. Hooked before the hour.

Levi Colwill 4

Gave away the first-half penalty in the middle of a difficult spell. Looked exposed against Salah and Nunez but recovered composure.

Malo Gusto 6

Shifted to left-back with Marc Cucurella suspended and did a steady enough job before reverting to preferred flank.

Moises Caiceido 7

Seemed to be struggling with a leg issue throughout the first half. Played a superb pass in behind for Jackson’s goal and was generally impressive.

Romeo Lavia 6

Preferred to Enzo Fernandez in midfield. Started well but bypassed as Liverpool’s counter-attacks caused problems in behind.

Noni Madueke 5

Started well but faded and was replaced late on.

Cole Palmer 5

Kept quiet for much of the first half until going close in stoppage time. Not much more involved in the second. A rare off day.

Jadon Sancho 6

Followed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s every step in obvious man-marking ploy and did an excellent job on the full-back. Unlucky not to be awarded a penalty. Replaced at half-time, presumably due to injury.

Nicolas Jackson 7

Took his goal superbly after clever run off Virgil van Dijk. Customary needless booking in lead up to penalty.

Substitutes

Pedro Neto (Sancho 46’) 6

One terrific dart made Palmer chance. Decent impact.

Renato Veiga (James 53’) 5

Slightly lacking in composure. Headed over with great chance late on.

Benoit Badiashile (Adarabioyo 53’) 5

Got involved with Darwin Nunez, which is seldom a good idea.

Enzo Fernandez (Lavia 53’) 5

Found it hard to pick up the pace of the game.

Christopher Nkunku (Madueke 76’) N/A