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Liverpool star Darwin Nunez makes statement to Arne Slot as Roy Keane left red-faced

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If was left in disbelief, then was practically beside himself with confusion on the sidelines.

The decision to penalise the striker for what seemed a fair challenge against substitute Benoit Badiashile during an extended and tense period of extra time was just one of many questionable calls from referee John Brooks.

However, it also underscored the determination and zeal that Nunez brought to the match, having been called into action earlier than anticipated when Diogo Jota had to leave the pitch due to injury before half-time.

From his very first touch, a smart flick to set free, this was the Uruguayan at his best. Harassing the Chelsea defence with his physicality, demonstrating excellent work ethic in defensive support and, equally crucially, using the ball effectively whether launching long passes forward from deep or playing shorter balls within and around the opponent's area.

Eager to make a good impression, Nunez occasionally crossed the line, as evidenced by a late tackle during an ongoing tussle with Badiashile, but he managed to maintain his composure despite the uproar over his late misconduct.

Nevertheless, his commendable performance can serve as a solid base for Nunez following such an inconsistent start to the season. If Jota is out of action for any length of time, Liverpool will need the Uruguayan to step up.

Liverpool learning the Slot way

The Slot era has officially kicked off. Despite the 10 games preceding Chelsea's visit to Anfield, which resulted in a record-breaking nine victories, there was always a feeling that this Liverpool team hadn't truly taken flight, with Slot yet to fully experience the might of both his squad and their fans.

However, the wait is over as his players and the Anfield crowd joined forces to create the first unforgettable home event of the Dutchman's reign.

Liverpool's hard-fought victory, where they had to claw their way to success, will have particularly delighted Slot. Despite conceding 57 per cent of possession, the Reds limited Chelsea to just two shots on target.

That's not to say Liverpool were without an offensive threat. They scored twice, had one penalty decision overturned, and managed more shots on target.

Interestingly, Liverpool collectively retreated during the final quarter in a bid to safeguard their well-deserved lead. The control and calmness Slot has been eager to instil in his team was not demonstrated by what they did with the ball, but rather how they ensured Chelsea didn't pose too much of a threat.

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Indeed, the Reds' game management was spot on.

The cheer that met the final whistle was unlike any heard this season. Slot now understands.

This is what Liverpool and Anfield are all about.

Trent responds to Keane's jibes.

seems to be a perpetual target for those struggling to accept that his defensive skills may not match his exceptional attacking prowess.

The notion that the Liverpool right-back can't defend - with being the most recent to endorse this view - is frankly absurd.

This was clearly demonstrated in this match, where Alexander-Arnold was tasked with containing two of the trickiest wingers, and .

It's telling that Sancho was substituted at half-time, while Neto's main threat emerged when he briefly switched to the opposite wing later in the game.

Chelsea optimistically appealed for a penalty when Alexander-Arnold clashed with Sancho in the first half, and in the second half, there was a moment when Neto finally slipped away from the Liverpool player by moving inside.

A fatigued Alexander-Arnold was later substituted for Joe Gomez, and it was subsequently revealed that the right-back almost didn't play due to fitness issues. This sheds new light on what was an impressively solid performance from the player.

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