Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea: The Big Match Review

Liverpool once again misses the chance to secure champions qualification with a frustrating display at Anfield, with the same old problems ruining glimpses of fluidity. Their attacking efforts were repealed within the same half they showed strong promise going forward, it’s beginning to feel like Groundhog Day for Liverpool fans as this match was no different from so many disappointing showings this season.

The disillusioned fans ensured that their voices were heard as it wasn’t only the players that were being questioned. Strong boo's were echoed at Slot’s decision to substitute Rio Ngumoha in the 67th minute, despite him being the brightest spark in the team. The fans are frustrated, the players are disjointed and Slot is in a precarious position. Something needs to change at Liverpool Football Club. 

Match Review

The lineup for the game immediately highlighted area of weaknesses in the squad that Chelsea could take advantage of, with Curtis Jones filling in at right back. With Marc Cucurella being placed in advanced position in the opposition XI, danger was on the cards, and Chelsea rightfully exploited our right-hand side repeatedly throughout the game. 

The Reds started the game in control and were comfortable, playing out from the back well through Van Dijk into Kerkez. There were times when Gravenberch and Szoboszlai would pick up the ball in the middle of the park and thread the needle to Ngumoha who would attack the Chelsea defence with conviction. The Reds were comfortable in control and playing with confidence and the atmosphere at Anfield was very positive, the crowd fed off the energy of the players who came out looking like winners.

Konate and Van Dijk were robust and solid and did a good job keeping Joao Pedro out of the game who was a shadow of himself for the most part. It should be noted that Liverpool’s confidence stemmed from their backline, they were initially very poised and reliable and that feeling spread throughout the team. 

Once again, some swift play on the wing from Ngumoha proved to be too dangerous for Chelsea as Palmer gave him too much space as he encroached onto the box and picked out Gravenberch who intelligently opened his body and placed the ball into the top corner. It was a brilliant goal that came from a side that had come out of the gates running, smoothly linking up and feeding their most dangerous attacking threat. A great goal off the back of solid build up play.

Credit: Sofascore

The start was strong but there were warning signs, Marc Cucerella was proving to be very dangerous causing trouble for Jones and began to create chances by beating his man and playing a dangerous cross into the box.  His movement was allowing him to be the main outlet to get past Liverpool’s back line. Chelsea alternated between 3 and 4 at the back adapting to different spells in the game. Cucurella once again found space and was played through on goal as Chelse endured their longest stretch on the ball. He had a good shot that Marmadashvili had to save. 

Curtis Jones was once again found guilty at the crime scene completely out of place at right back, his lack of communication with Konate and poor positioning caused him to be the main area of weakness that eroded the confidence that Liverpool stepped into the game with and gave Chelsea an avenue to change the tide of the match. Off the back of that chance, Chelsea were able to progress further up the field and after a foul in a threatening position a poor defensive lapse allowed Enzo to play the ball and score from a free kick. The ball seemed to pass all the Liverpool defenders who didn’t take the initiative to clear it and it was the same old story that led to us conceding, a defensive breakdown and just like that the game was blown wide open.

Credit: Emirates 24

The first half was end to end but overall disappointing for Liverpool as a Chelsea comeback was now on the cards. Once again, the right side is exploited and Cucurella is played through resulting in a Cole palmer goal however it is ruled out by VAR which was an early warning sign for Liverpool.

Curtis Jones continued to have nightmare game in the second half and Chelsea surely discussed attacking him as a plan of action as he continued to be bombarded by Cucurellla who was dominating this duel. 

The game also became a lot more physical in midfield as both sides realised they must act quickly and score soon as it would decide the outcome of the match. The stakes were high for both sides; Chelsea had suffered six straight losses and were desperate for a win which would serve as a much-needed boost. Liverpool needed a win to lock down European football next season. Both teams failed, and after watching the game they both deserved to a they failed to capitalise on their many chances on goal.

Credit: This is Anfield

Jones almost redeemed himself as he scored a header, but VAR ruled it out. This kind of summarised the game for both sides, they were almost able to get the job done, but they just weren’t quite good enough on the day. 

Reece James added more structure when he came on and was an anchor for Chelsea and he allowed them to be able deal with the sustained Liverpool attacks. With Szoboszlai hitting the post and Van Dijk hitting the crossbar, we did everything right in the second half but failed to get the ball in the back of the net. 

It was a game destined for a winner, but both sides have been far from winners this season and all things considered the 1-1 scoreline aptly represented the match.

Match Ratings: