Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge says the players are ‘buying into’ Arne Slot after Chelsea scalp as Micah Richards credits new manager for making title challengers a lot more solid defensively’

Sky Sports pundits Daniel Sturridge, Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher were full of praise for new Liverpool manager Arne Slot after his side’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday.

The Reds opened the scoring through a first half penalty from Mo Salah before Nicolas Jackson levelled the scores shortly after half-time.

It took just three minutes for the home side to restore their lead as Curtis Jones poked home what proved to be the winner to keep them top of the table. 

Speaking after the game, former Liverpool striker Sturridge said: ‘I think it’s refreshing. 

‘Everyone knows how demanding Jurgen (Klopp) was on the pitch and off the pitch. Being at home the day before the game is a different mindset for players. The players are buying into the manager, his personality.

Daniel Sturridge (R), Micah Richards (C) and Jamie Carragher (L) were full of praise for Slot

Ex-Reds captain Carragher added : ‘he’s not as emotional as Klopp but he got wrapped up in the game today. He’s a different manager. He’s not trying to be something else, he’s being himself.

‘A big thing about being successful is winning the games you’re supposed to win. It becomes a great season if you start taking points off your rivals.’

Former Man City full back Richards believes Liverpool have become a harder side to score against under their new boss.   

‘Liverpool are challengers,’ he said. ‘Defensively Liverpool look a lot more solid. As a defender playing in Klopp’s system you could be isolated.

Defeat for Chelsea left Enzo Maresca’s side sixth in the table, now seven points behind Liverpool after eight games.

Although on the losing end, Chelsea enjoyed more possession and created more chances, albeit without really threatening Liverpool’s back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher too many times.