Liverpool dominate Chelsea to send ominous warning to title hopefuls

Liverpool gave an early statement of intent over their Premier League title defense as two goals from Sadio Mane gave them a 2-0 win away to Chelsea.

Chelsea were the summer's big spenders and the game was a big test of both their and Liverpool's title credentials, but things swung dramatically Liverpool's way as Andreas Christensen was sent off for pulling Mane back when he was through on goal in the first half injury time.

Liverpool took advantage of the extra man early in the second half when Mane opened the scoring with a powerful header after a move involving Fabinho and Mohamed Salah in the 50th minute.

Four minutes later it was 2-0 after Mane slotted the ball home after a terrible error from Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, whose attempted clearance was blocked by the forward.

It looked as if it was going to be a stroll for Liverpool, who were in total control and brought Thiago Alcantara on for his debut. The new signing from Bayern Munich was then guilty of a needless foul on Timo Werner to give Jorginho the chance to level from the spot, only for Allisson to save his tame spot kick.