Henderson screamer has echoes of Gerrard at his best
By Toby Davis
LONDON (Reuters) - Jordan Henderson has spent much of his Liverpool career being compared unfavourably with Steven Gerrard, but his stunning goal against Chelsea on Friday could have come straight from the copybook of the former Anfield hero.
After Dejan Lovren had put Liverpool ahead, Henderson took aim from 30 metres, curling home a superb effort that ended a goal drought stretching back more than eight months.
It put Liverpool two ahead on their way to a 2-1 victory that ended the hosts' unbeaten start to the season and underlined the growing potential of Juergen Klopp's Liverpool side.
It was such an impressive finish that Gerrard even joined in the celebration, sharing a picture of Henderson's effort on his Instagram account.
For Henderson, it was a further illustration of his renaissance this season with his superb effort capping a powerful overall display.
After his last campaign was disrupted by injury, Henderson's role as Liverpool captain had come under scrutiny, with some fans even questioning whether he would cement a regular place in Klopp's side.
Instead he has begun the season with a calm authority that Liverpool's midfield has perhaps lacked since Gerrard bade farewell to Anfield 16 months ago.
Playing in a deep-lying role, Henderson provided a platform for Liverpool to launch a flurry of first-half attacks, before helping the visitors snuff out any threat of a Chelsea fightback after the break.
"I had a good feeling going into the game," Henderson said. "We knew it would be difficult as Chelsea are a good side but I thought we defended well and deserved the three points.
"It was about time I got a goal but I always say the most important thing is the three points."
Liverpool have now taken 10 points from a possible 15 and sit well-placed after a gruelling start to the campaign.
They have faced perhaps the toughest opening fixtures of any Premier League side having played Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea away from home while last weekend's win over champions Leicester City has been their only match at Anfield in five games.
Klopp swatted away questions about a potential title challenge in the aftermath at Stamford Bridge, preferring instead to talk about another impressive away performance.
"It was very intense very, very lively and flexible. Our buildup was brilliant in the first half," he said.
"I was really happy with the style of play and how we did it and the confidence."
Liverpool face Derby County in the League Cup on Tuesday before their Premier League campaign continues at home to Hull City next Saturday.
(Reporting by Toby Davis, editing by Pritha Sarkar)