Liverpool Go Top of Premier League as Chelsea Are Held by Everton
Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League after defeating Fulham 2-0 at Anfield, while Chelsea dropped points in a goalless draw with Everton at Stamford Bridge.
Both Liverpool and Chelsea remained unbeaten after 12 league matches, but Jurgen Klopp’s side moved two points clear of the Blues following goals from Mohamed Salah and Xherdan Shaqiri.
Liverpool also moved one point ahead of defending champions Manchester City, who were due to face Manchester United later in the day.
The Reds returned to winning ways after a disappointing 2-0 Champions League defeat to Red Star Belgrade.
Against Fulham, Liverpool were helped by a controversial moment shortly before half-time. Aleksandar Mitrovic thought he had given the visitors the lead with a header, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Liverpool immediately launched a counter-attack, with Trent Alexander-Arnold releasing Salah, who finished calmly to score his eighth goal of the season.
Klopp admitted his side had benefited from the incident but praised the speed of Liverpool’s reaction.
Shaqiri doubled the advantage eight minutes into the second half, converting Andy Robertson’s cross to secure all three points.
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic was frustrated by the decision that ruled out Mitrovic’s effort, arguing that the subsequent Liverpool goal should never have been allowed to develop from that situation.
At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea extended their unbeaten start under Maurizio Sarri but were unable to break down a determined Everton side.
Eden Hazard was Chelsea’s main attacking threat, while Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced several important saves to keep the hosts out.
Pickford denied Alvaro Morata before making further stops from Hazard as Chelsea searched for a breakthrough.
Willian also missed an opportunity after being released by Hazard, while Marcos Alonso struck the post.
Everton held firm to secure a valuable point, leaving Chelsea behind Liverpool in the title race.
