Premier League 2018-19: 3 players who shone in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Chelsea

Liverpool beat Chelsea 2-0 in a crucial Premier League match yesterday. Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah both scored goals in the second half of the match after the first half ended goalless, to take their team home.

Liverpool now lead the league table with 85 points from 34 matches, ahead of their nearest rivals Manchester City by two points. However, City have a game in hand, and the title race promises to go down to the wire.

Chelsea remain on 66 points from 34 matches, and would have to struggle their way into the top 4. They have now lost to Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the second half of the Premier League. Liverpool, on the other hand, have now beaten Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham in the same period.

There were some players who excelled for Liverpool yesterday. Here, we take a look at 3 such players:

1. Mohamed Salah

Yesterday’s match was yet another indication that Salah has overcome his recent lean patch. He played nine games without scoring for Liverpool, but has now scored in both of their last two league matches.

Salah played his part in Liverpool’s first goal too, as the goal resulted from his one-two with one of his teammates. His penetrating run into the Chelsea penalty box led to the first goal.

Moreover, the second goal he scored was a thing of beauty, as his rasping left-footed shot from 25 yards out gave no chance to the Chelsea goalie. It was one of the finest goals scored this season, and Salah now has 22 goals in 44 matches.

Salah was a constant threat through the right flank yesterday, and kept cutting in frequently. His return to form is undoubtedly great news to all the Liverpool supporters; he will be absolutely crucial to his team's chances as they look to fend off City towards the home stretch.

2. Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane

Sadio Mane gave a torrid time to Cezar Azpilicueta in the first half of the match with his incisive runs through the left flank. He combined beautifully with Andrew Robertson and Naby Keita to trouble the Chelsea defenders a great deal in the first half.

Mane also showed opportunism while scoring the first goal for Liverpool. He positioned himself perfectly before heading in Jordan Henderson’s cross from inside the box.

It was Mane’s 21st goal of the season, and he continues to be a consistent performer for the Reds.

Mane’s dribbling skills also came to the fore yesterday, as he dodged past the Liverpool defenders at times to open up spaces in the final third. He is already said to be a target for Real Madrid, and performances like yesterday might increase his price.

The Senegalese has been a great performer for the Reds this season, and will be crucial in their bid to win the league.

3. Jordan Henderson

Jordan Henderson

Jordan Henderson is primarily known for his defensive game, but he showed the other aspects of his skill-set too yesterday. He was one of the three midfielders who started for Liverpool, and he kept pressing the Chelsea defenders incessantly.

The Chelsea defence looked troubled by the high press of Liverpool, and Henderson was in the thick of things. One of his shots got deflected off a Chelsea defender and went out.

Henderson again came to the fore in the second half, as his cross from inside the penalty box was headed in by Mane. It was his second assist of the season.

Henderson adopted a more defensive role after Liverpool scored their second goal. He got into a few tackles, and ensured safety for the Liverpool defence.

The Liverpool captain was eventually substituted, but by then had already produced a very good performance in a crucial match for his team. He has played in 314 matches for Liverpool and continues to be a superb performer for them.