Chelsea vs Liverpool: Sadio Mane’s Brace Was Enough
The EPL match day 2 fixture between high spenders Chelsea and title defenders, Liverpool at Stamford Bridge was highly anticipated and it did not disappoint.
With the game dragging into a goal less first half and Liverpool breathing down Chelsea’s neck, it wasn’t much of a surprise when Denmark defender Christensen got sent off for a rugby-tackling on Sadio Mane.
Referee Paul Tierney initially booked Christensen, but VAR told him to consult the pitchside monitor and he changed his decision to a red card.
The game did end goal less at half time, but Chelsea couldn’t keep Liverpool at Bay for long, as Mane grabbed his first goal of the season in the 50th minute when he met Roberto Firmino’s cross with a thumping header after eluding Reece James’ slack marking.
Four minutes later, Mane was gifted his second goal as Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made a hash of trying to play out from the back, allowing the Liverpool forward to intercept and slot into the empty net.
Thiago Alcantara made his Liverpool debut at half-time after his move from Bayern Munich, but the Spain midfielder conceded a 74th minute penalty with a foul on Timo Werner.
Alisson Becker came to Thiago’s rescue as he saved Jorginho’s spot-kick to ensure a clean sheets for himself and the team at large.
For the remainder of the game, there wasn’t much Chelsea could do, but wallow in regrets over missed chances, careless and avoidable tackles and irrevocable howlers, while Liverpool proved once again why they emerged Champions last season after waiting for 30 years.
Newcastle United 0 : 3 Brighton
Elsewhere, Neal Maupay’s quick-fire double inspired Brighton’s 3-0 win against Newcastle as the Seagulls claimed their first Premier League victory of the season.
Graham Potter’s side raced into a two-goal lead after just seven minutes at St James’ Park thanks to the brace from French striker Maupay.
Aaron Connolly grabbed the third for Brighton, who had Yves Bissouma sent off after his raised boot caught Jamal Lewis in the face.
