Liverpool’s continued good start under Arne Slot carried on this weekend as they saw off Chelsea in a tight but entertaining game at Anfield.
The Reds went into the lead through a penalty from Mo Salah but Nicolas Jackson equalised for the Blues, who had chances to win the game as well.
However, Curtis Jones produced a fine finish to win the game for the Reds and Chelsea couldn’t offer anything in return as they left empty handed.
Of course, Arne Slot changed things up a little bit and handed goal scorer Jones a start in midfield.
And after repaying his manager by winning the penalty and scoring the winner, former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was quick to praise the England man.
Rafa Benitez praises Curtis Jones after Liverpool beat Chelsea
Speaking about the performance from Liverpool on Match of the Day Two, former Reds boss Benitez was full of praise for his old side.
And in particular, he picked out midfielder Jones for a special mention.
“We were talking about players, but the reality that you see is, we talk about long balls, second balls, he is going for the second ball, he is holding the ball, dribbling (past) players,” Benitez said.
“He showed quality and character.”
Jones impresses everyone with latest Liverpool display
This was arguably one of Curtis Jones’ best ever games in a Liverpool shirt and the pundits afterwards were quick to make sure they mentioned him.
Gary Neville admitted to being impressed by what he saw from Jones, while former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher labelled Jones’ performance as ‘outstanding’.
Jones’ start to the season is just what Liverpool fans have been hoping for and after John Barnes said a few months back how good Jones looked in Liverpool’s new system, it seems things are knitting together quite nicely.
Certainly, if he can produce this sort of level on a weekly basis, then Liverpool will feel like they’ve signed a new player.
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