New dad Curtis Jones reaped the benefits of sleeping in the spare room by leading Liverpool to their most important win under Arne Slot.
Jones, who became a father for the first time a week ago, deputised for the poorly Alexis Mac Allister and dominated Chelsea in both boxes to keep Liverpool top with a 2-1 victory at Anfield.
Besides earning a penalty and scoring the winner, the 23-year-old stopped the influence of Blues star Cole Palmer, including making a goal-saving block.
Slot has now won 10 out of 11 matches in all competitions since succeeding Jurgen Klopp. The Dutchman, booked yesterday for claiming another penalty, remains a point clear of Manchester City, who dramatically beat Wolves earlier in the day.
Jones’ man-of-the-match performance capped a memorable few days for the local Merseysider.
23-year-old celebrated becoming a father for the first time by netting his first league goal of the season
‘I've been a Dad a week, it's the best thing ever. She's a little dream but I thought it wise I stayed in the spare room for the game!
‘If you want to play in this team you've got to help with goals and the assists, and to get back.
‘As soon as Mo (Salah) had the ball, I made the run. It bounced so I needed a touch and thankfully it went in for the goal.’
Chelsea defender Levi Colwell was stunned his challenge on Jones led to a penalty converted by Salah.
‘I played the ball and made a run. I never dive. I felt contact,’ said Jones, who later had another penalty overturned by VAR.
Slot was as pleased with Jones’ marking job on Palmer as his attacking exploits – and all-round midfield performance Anfield used to see from Steven Gerrard.
‘Curtis had a very good game. He had a difficult job to control Cole Palmer who is an incredible player but he did it for most of the game,’ said the Reds boss.
‘To put that together with the goal and the penalties he was involved in, that shows he had an impact at both ends.’