Five things we learn from Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat against Liverpool

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Five Key Takeaways from Chelsea’s Defeat at Liverpool

Chelsea endured their second Premier League defeat of the season this weekend, falling 2-1 to Liverpool at Anfield. While the loss puts a slight dent in Chelsea’s promising start, there were still valuable insights from the game.

Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty gave Liverpool the lead, but Chelsea quickly responded after halftime with a goal from Nicolas Jackson. However, Curtis Jones’ second-half strike secured the win for the Reds, pushing them to the top of the Premier League table. Chelsea, meanwhile, now sit sixth in the standings.

Here are five things we learned from Chelsea’s defeat:

1. Romeo Lavia is the Real Deal

Romeo Lavia made a rare start for Chelsea, playing 53 minutes before being substituted. Despite his limited time on the field, the 20-year-old midfielder impressed as a deep-lying playmaker, smoothly controlling possession and driving the ball forward.

Chelsea fans were thrilled with Lavia’s performance, and many believe he should be a regular in the starting XI. If Lavia can stay healthy, the Blues may have a rising star in their midfield.

It was also encouraging to see club captain Reece James return to action, marking his first appearance of the season after a long injury layoff.

2. Pressure is Mounting on Robert Sanchez

Robert Sanchez had another shaky outing, adding to his growing list of questionable performances. While he’s had moments of brilliance this season, his inconsistency is becoming a concern.

During the match, Sanchez struggled with playing out from the back and was involved in a mix-up that led to a penalty, which was eventually overturned by VAR. He also could have done better with Jones’ winning goal.

Chelsea needs Sanchez to find more consistency, but for now, doubts around his reliability persist.

3. Chelsea Aren’t Title Contenders Yet

Some fans were optimistic about Chelsea’s chances of challenging for the Premier League title after their solid start, but this match served as a reality check.

With defeats to both Manchester City and Liverpool this season, it’s clear that Chelsea are not quite at the level of the league’s top teams just yet. A top-four finish remains a more realistic goal as this young squad continues to develop.

4. Pedro Neto Can Be a Game-Changer

Pedro Neto was introduced at halftime against Liverpool, and in just 45 minutes, the 24-year-old winger showed how valuable he can be to Chelsea. Neto gave Trent Alexander-Arnold a tough time with his speed and direct attacking style. He later switched to the right wing and nearly created an equaliser in stoppage time with a well-placed cross.

Though not currently a regular starter, performances like this will surely make Maresca reconsider his place in the lineup. According to Fotmob data, Neto created three chances during the game—the most by any player on the pitch.

5. Nicolas Jackson is Growing Into a Star

Nicolas Jackson continues to make strides in his development, delivering another excellent performance against Liverpool. The 23-year-old forward scored Chelsea’s lone goal, perfectly timing his run and finishing with composure.

With five goals in eight Premier League appearances, Jackson is proving to be a real asset for Chelsea. His overall play is making it hard for others, like Christopher Nkunku, to break into the starting lineup.

BBC Sport’s Leon Osman praised Jackson during the match, calling him a “quality striker.” His form suggests that Chelsea may have found a long-term solution for the No. 9 position.