Who said what: World reacts to Liverpool outplaying Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge
Liverpool pulled off a massive result by defeating Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, condemning Antonio Conte to his first loss as Chelsea manager. The result propels Liverpool up to 4th place in the table, while Chelsea are also level on points with the Reds in 3rd place – although the scenario could change after the weekend fixtures take place.
Despite David Luiz starting, Liverpool ran rings around Chelsea’s defence right from the off, and Dejan Lovren underlined the visitors superiority with a well-taken goal in the 17th minute. Jordan Henderson produced a stunning long-range strike to double the Reds lead in the 36th minute, before Diego Costa pulled one back in the second half for Chelsea.
Liverpool comfortably held on for the win, earning them a pivotal victory in their Premier League campaign.
Here’s how the managers and players of both sides reacted:
Chelsea
Chelsea manager Antonio Conte
Conte outlined his displeasure with his side’s manner of conceding the goals, saying “The goals we concede are strange. We must feel the danger and today we didn't. We must pay attention every moment of the game and about details. In big games, the details change the result.”
“They took the free-kick quickly [for the first] and after a throw-in it was a great shot from a long distance but if we are in the right position he must not receive the ball unmarked. When you want to think like a great team you must pay attention in every moment what happens on the pitch.”
The Italian did manage to take a few positives from the second half performance, saying “We played with good intensity and anger in the second half. We scored a goal and could have scored another with Diego Costa. We played a good second half.”
However, he sounded a note of caution that Chelsea should learn from this defeat, saying “We have to reflect a lot on this game because it is important to understand the situation if we don't want to repeat another bad season like last season. I must work more to improve my players. Defeats are never good. We know this, we must work and keep our concentration.”
Chelsea defender David Luiz
It was an unhappy return for David Luiz, but he took the positive of the second half performance, saying “We controlled the second half but we couldn’t get the second goal. I’m very happy to be here again. It’s very important to play these games, the best kind of games in the world. I’m a bit sad because we didn’t start how I wished. We need to improve.”
Liverpool
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp
Klopp was pleased with Liverpool’s start, saying “It was satisfying of course. From the first second we had unbelievably good movement. We were quick in mind. We did really well. We deserved the lead at half-time.”
The German went on to praise the style of football, saying “We played football like hell. It was really nice to watch. In the second half it was a bit more difficult. After their goal, we managed it well. We were well organised in second half. After we conceded the first goal, I can't remember a Chelsea chance. We defended well and I was really happy with our possibilities today after leaving Roberto Firmino out.”
Speaking about Jordan Henderson's goal, Klpp said “It was nice, really nice. He’s such a hard worker, it was well deserved. He’s such a nice lad. There’s a lot of pressure on his shoulders."
Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson
Despite scoring a wondergoal, Henderson was more pleased with the three points, saying “It keeps our momentum going. We have been training well and I had a good feeling going into the game. 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 defender Dejan Lovren
“It is always a tough game here but I thought we did brilliantly. In the first half, I thought it was our best football of the season. It's always good to score but the most important thing is the three points. The spirit is perfect so we just need to keep working.”