Chelsea’s woes continue as Liverpool win at the Bridge
Chelsea 1 Liverpool 3
Chelsea’s dire season continued as they were beaten again at Stamford Bridge, increasing the pressure on Jose Mourinho.
They faded after Ramires’ early opener, with Philippe Coutinho scoring twice before Christian Benteke sealed Liverpool’s first league win under new boss Jurgen Klopp.
It meant a sixth league defeat of the season for the champions, who have won only one of their last eight matches.
That despite Ramires, who signed a new four-year contract this week, giving them the perfect start by putting them ahead after just four minutes.
The Brazilian got in front of Alberto Moreno to head home Cesar Azpilicueta’s left-wing cross – his third goal of the season.
Amid speculation that Mourinho could be sacked if his side lost the game, Chelsea fans gleefully chanted his name in celebration.
However, after Coutinho had struck twice they were left chanting Mourinho’s name more out of determined and loyal support for their manager.
Coutinho, who was a constant threat to the Blues defence, equalised in the final moments of the first half.
He collected Roberto Firmino’s pass and cleverly evaded Ramires before curling into the far corner despite John Terry’s desperate attempt to block the shot.
A similar piece of trickery by Coutinho enabled him to score again on 75 minutes.
Mourinho had taken off the ineffective Eden Hazard and sent on Kenedy, but it was Liverpool substitute Benteke who made a real impact.
Chelsea were undone by the Belgian striker’s knockdown and Coutinho made space for a shot which was helped in by a slight deflection off Terry.
And worse followed for the home side eight minutes later when Adam Lallana teed up Benteke, who calmly slotted into the bottom corner from 18 yards.
It was the 22nd league goal Chelsea have conceded this season.
Chelsea: Begovic; Zouma, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta (Falcao 76); Mikel (Fabregas 70), Ramires; Willian, Oscar, Hazard (Kenedy 58); Costa.
Subs not used: Amelia, Baba, Matic, Remy.
