New dad Curtis Jones reaped the rewards of sleeping in the spare room by leading Liverpool to their most important win under Arne Slot.
Jones, who became a father for the first time a week ago, replaced the lackluster Alexis Mac Allister and dominated Chelsea in both boxes to keep Liverpool top with a 2-1 win at Anfield.
As well as earning a penalty and scoring the winner, the 23-year-old halted the influence of Blues star Cole Palmer, including making a goal-saving block.
Slot has now won 10 of 11 games in all competitions since succeeding Jurgen Klopp. The Dutchman, who was shown a yellow card yesterday for claiming another penalty, remains one point ahead of Manchester City, who defeated Wolves in dramatic fashion earlier in the day.
Jones’ man-of-the-match performance capped a memorable few days for the local Merseysider.
Curtis Jones played a key role for Liverpool as they defeated Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday
The 23-year-old celebrated becoming a father for the first time by scoring his first league goal of the season
‘I’ve been a father for a week now, it’s the best thing I’ve ever experienced. She’s a little dream, but I thought it wise to stay in the guest room for the game!
“If you want to play in this team you have to help with goals and assists and come back.
‘As soon as Mo (Salah) had the ball, I made a run. It bounced so I needed a touch and luckily it went in for the goal.”
Chelsea defender Levi Colwell was stunned that his challenge on Jones led to a penalty converted by Salah.
‘I played the ball and made a run. I never dive. I felt contact,” said Jones, who later saw a penalty overturned by VAR.
Slot was as pleased with Jones’ excellent performance at Palmer as he was with his attacking performances – and the all-round midfield performances that Anfield always saw from Steven Gerrard.
Arne Slot was effusive in his praise for Jones’ all-round performance after the 2-1 win
‘Curtis played a very good game. “He had a difficult job containing Cole Palmer, an incredible player, but he did it for most of the game,” the Reds boss said.
“When you put that together with the goal and penalties he was involved in, it shows he had an impact on both ends.”