Match review: Chelsea 0 - 2 Liverpool
If there were any questions around the desire of Liverpool to regain their title, they were dispelled yesterday with a dominate 2-0 victory away to Frank Lampard's Chelsea.
False contenders
Much was made of Chelsea's summer acquisition.
Timo Werner (seemingly Anfield bound) wound up at the Bridge, alongside his much-touted German Internation team-mate Kai Havertz. Both have featured in the opening games this season with mixed results. Werner has looked lively and sharp. In contrast Havertz has looked off the pace and in need of more time to settle.
Waiting in the wings, yet to make their bow Chelsea bow are Hakim Ziyech, Thiago Silva, and Ben Chilwell. So on paper, The Blues look like potential title contenders.
However, yesterday's tepid display only served to highlight that Frank Lampard has a lot of work to do to gel the outstanding players in his squad into a formidable team.
From the outset, Chelsea conceded the initiative to Liverpool. Chelsea started the game with a focus on defensive shape. Without a home crowd to urge them forward, they remained passive for the whole game.
Swagger-pool
In contrast Liverpool played with the swagger of Champions. They were dominate on the ball and into the tackle. Liverpool controlled most of the first half however couldn't score the goal their play deserved.
However, just before the break the pivotal moment arrived. Sadio Mane was able to get the wrong side of Andreas Christensen and onto a Jordan Henderson through ball. Before Mane could bear down on goal, Christensen hauled the Liverpool forward to the floor. Initially referee Paul Tierney gave Christensen a yellow card, however after being prompted to review the incident by VAR, Tierney upgraded the yellow to a red.
All systems Thiago
In the second half Liverpool introduced their new boy and marquee signing Thiago Alcantara. Thiago lived up to his billing conducting and orchestrating the pace of the game from the centre of the park. Up against ten men against a passive team, was a dream moment for Thiago to make his debut.
He will face much sterner tests of his credentials in the months ahead.
Mane Man
Despite Thiago's excellent showing it was Sadio Mane who stole the show with a match winning performance.
On top of getting Christensen sent off, Mane scored the decisive goals in the match.
His first came five minutes into the second half. Mane capped off some excellent build up play involving Salah and Firmino with a brilliant header for his first.
For minutes later, he tenaciously closed down a woefully out-of-form Kepa Arrizabelaga to slot in his second.
The Blues will be desperate to get the deal to sign Edouard Mendy from Rennes across the line as soon as possible.
Defensive Bonus
The game wasn't all one-way traffic for Liverpool after that.
Chelsea had a chance to get back into the game with a penalty, after Thiago clipped Werner in the box. However, Alisson was able to get down smartly to save Jorginho's spot kick.
More than anything Liverpool will be delighted with their defensive display especially from make-shift centre back Fabinho.
Liverpool came into the game with injuries to Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. Which served to highlight their shortage of centre backs. However Fabinho showed he more than able of filling in at the back.
With Thiago, impressing in midfield, Klopp may opt to use Fabinho at centre back more often, especially against teams that attempt to park the bus.
The rest of the Premier League has been put on notice. New signing Thiago looks like a world-class addition with Diogo Jota yet to feature.
Liverpool look as formidable as ever.