Liverpool’s only concern after an extraordinary start to this league campaign has been sloppy defensive errors, for which they have been punished.
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Chelsea initially found them very hard to deal with.
“I enjoy it more”, he said, when asked about the importance of hugging his players.
Since taking the armband from Steven Gerrard, Henderson has often taken it upon himself to to try recreate those spectacular moments of inspiration which the Champions League-winning skipper became so idolised for.
Liverpool then doubled their advantage in the 36th minute and the goal was sensational. It was one of the goals of the season, and seemed to be setting up one of the routs of the season until Liverpool inevitably lost energy.
The visitors enjoyed more of the ball in the early stages and duly took the lead as Philippe Coutinho, in the side due to a groin problem for Roberto Firmino, crossed to the back post where Lovren, and two of his teammates, stood completely unmarked to sweep home.
Goals from Dejan Lovren and Jordan Henderson in a first half which saw Liverpool outplay their hosts proved enough to seal three points, despite Diego Costa reducing the arrears after the break.
Klopp stated that he felt that Sturridge had ran out of legs and as a result he brought on the Belgian to freshen up his options in the final third. They got there in the end, calming the game down in the closing 10 minutes, but as impressive as this start and Klopp’s work is, it does raise a question over whether they will be able to truly sustain a title challenge.
After all, they went from being 2-0 up without even allowing the home side a shot on target, but then being engulfed for spells in the second half.
Nemanja Matic carried the ball to the touchline past two sliding Liverpool defenders and pulled the ball back for Costa, who tapped in his fifth Premier League goal of the season on 61 minutes. First of all, Branislav Ivanovic had a horrific night.
That did not act as a warning sign, though, as Henderson’s belter from more than 30 yards out ended right in the top corner soon after.
Sturridge has scored 55 goals in 96 appearances in all competitions for the Merseyside club, yet since the 2013-14 campaign he has managed just 12 Premier League goals amid struggles with injury.
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Liverpool controlled possession and Chelsea appeared happy to sit back and soak up the pressure, but they were caught out by a quick free-kick in the 17th minute.
