Liverpool vs Chelsea goes wild: Anfield thriller shakes title race live
02.02.2026 - 11:40:22
Liverpool vs Chelsea – Anfield turns into a red storm
Did you see that?? Liverpool absolutely tore into Chelsea in a high-tempo, end-to-end clash that felt like a cup final. From the first whistle, the press was insane, tackles flying in, and Anfield feeding off every second ball.
The breakthrough came from Diogo Jota, who bullied his way through two blue shirts before finishing low into the corner. Jota's goal wasn't just tidy – it set the tone. Then it was Dominik Szoboszlai time. Arriving late in the box, he buried a bullet header from a whipped cross, leaving the keeper rooted. Goals: Jota opened it up, Szoboszlai doubled it, and the Chelsea back line never really recovered.
Chelsea did spark into life when Cole Palmer coolly converted from the spot after a clumsy challenge in the box, slotting his penalty with that ice-cold pause in the run-up. But just when you thought the comeback might be on, Liverpool hit again. A slick move down the left ended with Luis Díaz tapping in at the far post, killing the momentum and sending Anfield into full party mode.
Big names check-in: heroes and flops
Mohamed Salah might not have bagged a brace this time, but he was everywhere – drifting inside, dragging defenders around, and creating space for Jota and Díaz. He set up waves of attacks and looked sharp, even if his name wasn't the loudest on the scoresheet.
On the other side, Chelsea's stars never really took control. Raheem Sterling had moments on the counter but his final touch deserted him. Enzo Fernández worked hard in midfield but was constantly outnumbered and overrun whenever Liverpool triggered that trademark press.
VAR drama? Of course there was VAR drama
The biggest flashpoint came when Chelsea thought they were right back in it. A quick break ended with a neat finish from Christopher Nkunku, only for the goal to be dragged back for a tight offside after a long VAR check. The lines came out, the delay felt endless, and when the decision finally went against Chelsea, social media exploded. Liverpool fans screamed relief, Chelsea fans screamed robbery. That call is absolutely the hot topic online tonight.
Manchester City – Haaland does what Haaland does
Over at the Etihad, Manchester City did what they usually do: dominate the ball, grind you down, and let Erling Haaland do the killing. The Norwegian powerhouse was back on the scoresheet, smashing home from close range after a cutback found him unmarked in the box. Goal to Haaland, shock.
City's second came from Phil Foden, who curled a beauty into the far corner after drifting in from the right. Foden's touch, Haaland's power – you already know the script. Kevin De Bruyne pulled the strings again, dropping into pockets, pinging passes, and setting up wave after wave of attacks. He might not have scored, but his assist for Haaland's finish was pure De Bruyne: low, driven, impossible to defend.
Defensively, City had a couple of shaky moments, but Rúben Dias and John Stones did enough to keep things locked once they settled. No massive controversy here, just a statement win that keeps the pressure fully on at the top.
Title race shockwaves – what tonight actually changes
Liverpool's big win over Chelsea doesn't just look good on the highlights, it hits the table hard. Three points at Anfield mean Liverpool stay right in the thick of the Premier League live title race, matching City's intensity and refusing to blink. Chelsea, meanwhile, slide further away from the Champions League spots, and you can feel the frustration building around their project.
City's routine but ruthless victory keeps them breathing down Liverpool's neck (or vice versa, depending on kickoff times and goal difference). Every Haaland strike feels like a message: they're not going anywhere.
What does this mean for the title race? Before you start doing the maths in your head, just hit the live table here and see how wild it really looks right now: Click here for the live standings
Social Media Spotlight – the web is absolutely melting down
The Internet is Exploding: 3 Social Media Highlights
X Discussion: Fans furious over the VAR offside that ruled out Nkunku's goal
My take: this felt like a statement night
From a reporter's seat, this felt bigger than just another round of fixtures. Liverpool played like a team that genuinely believes the title is theirs to grab – aggression, energy, and clinical finishing. In my opinion, performances like Jota's and Szoboszlai's scream champion mentality. If they keep this intensity, no one will enjoy visiting Anfield for the rest of the season.
Chelsea, though, are a different story. There's talent all over the pitch, but it still feels like a collection of pieces, not a ruthless machine. The way they reacted after the VAR call – heads dropping, shape wobbling – says a lot. If you want top four, you can't mentally switch off after one decision, no matter how brutal it feels in the moment.
City, on the other hand, look exactly like what they are: a well-oiled winning machine. Haaland doesn't even need to be at his monstrous best to score; he just needs half a yard. And with De Bruyne feeding him, that half-yard shows up a lot. For me, unless injuries stack up, they're still the standard everyone else is chasing.
Closing whistle – and where you click next
So here we are: Liverpool flying, City relentless, Chelsea rattled, and social media in full meltdown over that Nkunku VAR decision. If you're checking football results today and trying to figure out who really has the edge, the goals only tell half the story – the table tells the rest.
Check full stats & standings now
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