Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League table on Sunday with an impressive 2-0 win against Chelsea at Anfield. The Reds got second-half goals from Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in the space of two minutes to claim victory.
Although Liverpool were open at the back following both scores, they held on defensively to post a league-leading 18th clean sheet.
With four games left to play, here are 3 things we learned from the Reds’ clean sheet win at Anfield.
Liverpool’s midfield options are impressive
Liverpool boasts one of, if not the best, midfields in all of European football. On Sunday, manager Jurgen Klopp picked Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, and Naby Keita for his starting XI and the trio did not disappoint.
The competition for places has made nearly every player better. Fabinho has grown to be an indispensable player while Keita is now reaching his potential at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Henderson is Liverpool’s undisputed leader. Compared to what one NBC Sports’ pundit claimed during the pregame show ahead of Liverpool versus Chelsea, Henderson has had a stellar season and he has been a constant in the side unless injured.
Henderson assisted Mane’s goal for the opener and completed 84% of his passes. He added two interceptions and a tackle to his stat line.
A lot of viewers only look at Henderson’s goals and assists stats (one goal and two assists), but he is more to the team than those numbers.
Liverpool find second gear
So often teams fail to find a second gear when things do not go well in attack. Liverpool hit that second gear on Sunday after being unable to find the back of the net in the first period.
Liverpool outshot Chelsea 15-6 with a 7-3 advantage in shots on target. The Reds have had difficulty finding that second gear at times this season. They were not able to achieve it against Manchester United at Old Trafford nor against Everton at Goodison.
However, more times than not this year, Liverpool have hit that second gear to gain three points.
Liverpool need help from the rest of the Premier League
In any other season, Liverpool would be on their way to a Premier League title. However, Manchester City’s play has prevented that from happening.
Liverpool desperately need rivals Tottenham, Manchester United, and Leicester City to take points off of Manchester City down the stretch. If it doesn’t happen, the Reds’ amazing season will be for not.
Liverpool’s most difficult games are finished and they just need to see out the final four matches to have a shot at a first title in 29 years.