Premier League: Mane’s Double Sinks 10-Man Chelsea
A brace from Sadio Mane saw champions Liverpool defeat 10-man Chelsea 2-0 in Sunday’s Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea were made to play the entire second half a man down after Andreas Christensen was sent off for a foul on Mane.
The game saw Liverpool’s new signing Thiago Alcantara make his debut.
The win saw Liverpool move up to third while Chelsea are in 10th position.
In the 12th minute Mohamed Salah worked the ball to Georginio Wijnaldum on the edge of the box but his effort went wide.
Two minutes later Liverpool went close again as Salah rounded the ‘keeper and squared it to Roberto Firmino from a tight angle but his effort was blocked on the line for a corner by Christensen.
In the 33rd minute Timo Werner found himself unmarked inside the box but saw his effort go just inches away from the post.
One minute into first half added time Chelsea’s Christensen was sent off following a challenge on Mane, with the decision being confirmed after consultation with VAR.
Christensen is now the first Chelsea player to be sent off in a Premier League game since Frank Lampard became manager.
Also, he is the first Chelsea player to be sent off in a Premier League match since Tiemoue Bakayoko vs Watford in February 2018.
Both teams made changes with Alcantara replacing Jordan Henderson while Fikayo Tomori went in for Kai Havertz.
Liverpool made the one man advantage count as Mane put them 1-0 ahead on 50 minutes after heading in Firmino’s cross.
In the 54th minute Mane made it 2-0 as he pounced on a poor clearance by Kepa Azpilicuerta.
Liverpool almost extended their lead on 66 minutes after great play from Alcantara and Firmino but Wijnaldum’s low driven effort was saved by Arizabalaga.
On 68 minutes Mason Mount had a good chance to reduce the deficit but hit his effort just over the bar.
In the 75th minute Chelsea were awarded a penalty after Alcantara fouled Werner inside the box but Alisson stopped Jorginho’s effort.
Substitute Tammy Abraham went close for Chelsea on 85 minutes only to see his low curler palmed away by Alisson.
Mane almost got his hat-trick in added time but his low left-foot deflected strike was saved by Arrizabalaga.
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