Arne Slot: Liverpool Passed Toughest Season Test Against Chelsea

The Reds reclaimed top spot following the win after Curtis Jones settled a tight contest at Anfield.

Liverpool have won seven of their eight league games this season, with their only blot coming against Nottingham Forest.

Chelsea proved tough customers on the day, edging possession and chances created, leaving Slot pleased with how his side dug deep for the win.

"Many other games were hard, but this might have been the hardest, maybe because of the amount of quality players they have and the structure they have. We had to fight really hard to get this one over the line," he told BBC Match of the Day.

"We defended so strongly, throughout the whole team. There was incredible work rate. The game became difficult for us because there were a few decisions, in my opinion, that didn't go for us.

"The most crucial was when we thought we had the penalty before half-time. To go 2-0 [up] before half-time would make a massive difference from 1-0. Then, we conceded, but we stepped up again and scored the second.

"The better the teams you face, the more you need it [fight]. In the Premier League, there are so many good teams. If you want to win, at least you need to fight and then, hopefully, the individuals can make the difference.

"It helps if you play against a Chelsea, it is a big game, and everyone feels it. We felt it and the fans felt it because they were there for us today. We showed up, that was the most important thing."

Liverpool face another tough test when they travel to Arsenal in the Premier League next weekend.