A captain's performance inspires Reds to cherished victory

Jordan Henderson recently declared he was finally ready to lead Liverpool to glory after an injury-ravaged 2015-16 campaign.

Here was the cast-iron proof as the Reds midfielder delivered a true captain's performance to inspire Jurgen Klopp's side to a cherished victory over Chelsea.

For the second successive season Liverpool triumphed at Stamford Bridge but this was one was much the sweeter considering the Londoners' big summer spending spree and impressive resurgence under Antonio Conte.

“Huge,” was the succinct assessment of the club's principal owner John W Henry as the Reds maintained momentum in the capital following the demolition of champions Leicester City.

Henderson made the match-winning contribution as he ended his eight-month goal drought in style with a stunning 25-yarder.

The England international, who snapped into tackles and used the ball intelligently throughout, has made a habit of silencing his Anfield critics over the past five years and he's doing it again with relish.

This was the dynamic midfielder who was so instrumental in Liverpool's title challenge in 2013-14.

Henderson didn't feel like the Liverpool skipper last season when he was stuck on the sidelines, feeling helpless and unable to do himself justice.

But now fully fit and blossoming in the new deeper role given to him by Klopp, that armband looks at home on his left arm. He led the way and others followed on a night when the Reds showcased their exciting progress under Klopp.

There were two sides to this display in the capital. For 45 minutes they played with a swagger as they took complete control. The outstanding Dejan Lovren volleyed home before Henderson made it 2-0.

However, in the second half the Reds had to dig deep after Diego Costa halved the deficit. Liverpool were rocking but refused to buckle as they ground it out.

A promising start has now become an excellent one. Liverpool have taken seven points out of a possible nine from tough trips to the Emirates, White Hart Lane and Stamford Bridge.

They have the perfect platform to build on. Having beaten some of the Premier League's best now they must prove they can beat the rest - starting with Hull at Anfield next weekend.

Last October's win at Chelsea was swiftly followed by a home defeat to Crystal Palace. Putting a stop to that kind of infuriating inconsistency is the only thing standing between Klopp's Liverpool and a title challenge.

The Reds made light of the loss of Roberto Firmino with a minor groin problem as Philippe Coutinho filled the void.

The floodlights were dimmed at Stamford Bridge shortly before kick-off with blue spotlights and dry ice used in a lame attempt to crank up the atmosphere.

When the smoke cleared, Liverpool simply got down to business. Klopp's men stamped their authority on the contest from the start and that vice-like grip rarely loosened during a remarkably one-sided 45 minutes.

The Reds were first to everything as Chelsea were outclassed and outfought in all departments. There was a collective hunger and desire which the Londoners simply couldn't live with.

Daniel Sturridge carried on where he had left off against Leicester, while Coutinho and Sadio Mane buzzed around with intent either side of him.

The midfield trio of Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum and Adam Lallana were a hive of energy.

Liverpool were undoubtedly given a helping hand by Chelsea's bizarre approach of standing off them and sitting so deep. The visitors gleefully took advantage.

Sturridge's curler had already forced an unconvincing save from Thibaut Courtois when the breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute.

Branislav Ivanovic, who was lucky to escape punishment for deliberately stepping on Lallana's foot, clumsily upended Wijnaldum wide on the left.

Coutinho took it short to James Milner, who played it back to him and the Brazilian whipped in a perfect delivery.

The red shirts were queuing up at the back post and the unmarked Lovren, who was recalled in place of Lucas Leiva, expertly volleyed home from six yards. It was the Croatian's first Premier League goal for the Reds.

Defensively, Klopp's side were commanding with Joel Matip passing the biggest test of his Reds career.

A strangely subdued Costa was kept under wraps as time and time again the ice-cool former Schalke centre-back thwarted Chelsea's advances.

There was a crucial tackle on Willian close to the edge of the box and when Matip's robust challenge left Costa on his backside it was symbolic of Liverpool's dominance. They were winning battles all over the field.

There were howls of derision from the natives when N'Golo Kante aimlessly fired a 30-yarder into the Shed End.

Matip was everywhere, bravely blocking from Nemanja Matic and even bursting beyond Chelsea's back four to latch on to pass from Wijnaldum as Klopp's men continued to show all the ambition.

A Chelsea backline shorn of injured captain John Terry was repeatedly carved apart as David Luiz struggled badly on his second Chelsea debut.

The 3,000-strong travelling Kop savoured every second of it, 'where's your famous plastic flags?' they crowed.

Liverpool deservedly doubled their lead nine minutes before the break. Henderson latched on to Cahill's clearance, took a touch to steady himself and then unleashed an unstoppable 25-yarder which dipped into the top corner.

It was his first goal since the 5-4 win at Norwich in January. The captain raced towards the away end before sliding on his knees. 'Boom, boom, boom,' was Klopp's reaction as the bench erupted.

In the second half it was a different story. Chelsea had to improve and they duly forced their way back into the contest.

Sturridge didn't appear to be running freely and soon made way for Divock Origi as Chelsea cranked up the pressure.

Just past the hour mark Liverpool's standards slipped and Conte's men had their lifeline.

Nobody tracked Matic's run into the box and Matip made life easy for the Serbian by going to ground. Matic got to the byline and cut it back for Costa to convert.

Briefly, Liverpool were wobbling and there was a let off when Costa fired straight at Simon Mignolet after latching on to Oscar's nod down.

But with James Milner shining at left-back once again and Wijnaldum putting in a tireless shift, the Reds regained their composure.

Origi should have settled it but somehow Courtois kept out his header.

Hearts were in mouths when substitute Lucas tripped Eden Hazard on the edge of the box late on but Cesc Fabregas hammered the free-kick into the wall.

Justice was done. Liverpool had stormed the Bridge once again.

Source: Liverpool Echo

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.