Reece James admits he “didn’t expect” one thing that was new in Liverpool game

Chelsea beat Liverpool on Saturday evening with a late goal from Estevao which will live long in the memory of everyone who was there.

Speaking after the game, captain Reece James gave some details about how how proud he was of his team and the way they had got a win.

Chelsea surviving despite injuries says James

Enzo Maresca dressed badly on the touchline. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“We need to keep on building throughout the season. Red cards have played a part in recent results, and we’re in a difficult moment with the amount of players we have out. That’s football and we have to adapt and play the best we can with what we have. We did that.

“It’s a big step in the right direction. We’ve beaten the champions. It was a big statement and hopefully we can build on this now.”

James on playing at centre back

The most important part of the game from a Chelsea perspective was keeping a clean sheet. And that could not have been more challenging for them – not only are they up against the Champions, they were also in an unprecedented injury crisis. They started the game with a half fit Benoit Badiashile and a teenage Josh Acheampong at the back, and by the 65th minute both of them were off.

Along with Jorrel Hato, James ended up playing in the middle, and he was asked about what that was like:

“I didn’t expect to play centre-back, it’s one of the positions I’ve never played before!

“It’s high-level football, I had to adapt and play the best football I could. At the moment I’m close to my best.”

He certainly is. Playing midfield, centre back and right back at different times he’s looked excellent across the board, and we’re so happy to have him back playing well.