Liverpool and Chelsea had to settle for a point after a gripping encounter finished 1-1. Kai Havertz had put the Blues ahead midway through the first half, but an unfortunate turn of events right on half-time altered the game’s dynamic. Reece James was sent off for handball on the goal line. Mohamed Salah converted the resulting spot kick as Liverpool were handed the initiative. Playing the second half with 10-men, Chelsea put in a dogged collective effort to keep the relentless Reds at bay to earn a hard-fought point.
Team news
Liverpool
Reds manager Jurgen Klopp made three changes from a comfortable win against Burnley. Konstantinos Tsimikas gave way for Andy Robertson, who was making his first appearance after recovering from a pre-season injury. There were recalls for Fabinho and Roberto Firmino too. 18-year old Harvey Elliott continued in midfield ahead of the likes of Thiago, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Starting XI: A. Becker; T. Alexander-Arnold, J. Matip, V. Van Dijk, A. Robertson; H. Elliott, Fabinho, J. Henderson (C); M. Salah, R. Firmino, S. Mane
Subs: C. Kelleher, I. Konate, T. Alcantara, N. Keita, J.Gomez, A. Oxlade-Chamberlain, T. Minamino, D. Jota, K. Tsimikas
Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel made just one change, and it was a notable one. N’Golo Kante returned in Chelsea’s midfield to replace Mateo Kovacic. Record signing Romelu Lukaku continued up front in an unchanged front three. Skipper Cesar Azpilicueta was making his 300th Premier League appearance on his 32nd birthday.
Starting XI: E. Mendy; C. Azpilicueta (C), A. Christensen, A. Rudiger; R. James, Jorginho, N. Kante, M. Alonso; K. Havertz, R. Lukaku, M. Mount
Subs: K. Arrizabalaga, T. Silva, M. Kovacic, T. Werner, R. Loftus-Cheek, T. Chalobah, C. Hudson-Odoi, B. Chilwell, H. Ziyech
Chelsea hold on despite the numerical disadvantage
It was a typical big-game Anfield atmosphere at the start, which is a trademark of the fans and the stadium. Liverpool fed off that energy from the crowd and channeled it into their heavy metal football, seizing the ball and keeping Chelsea on the backfoot. They made the early running and as you would expect, Chelsea resorted to counter attacks. After chances at both ends, it was the visitors who made the breakthrough. Kai Havertz’s deft looping header at the near post beat everybody to find the net in front of the Kop. After the goal, Chelsea’s confidence grew and should have doubled their lead. A lack of chemistry perhaps between the front three denying what could have been glorious chances.
Chelsea were looking comfortable after taking the lead but in one dramatic incident, fortune turned on its head. Sadio Mane initially flicked Robertson’s corner, then Joel Matip headed onto the bar, then when Mane tried to follow it up, the ball hit James’s knee and then arm on the line, preventing the ball from crossing the line. Anthony Taylor overturned his decision after VAR intervention and sent James off. Salah coolly converted the resulting penalty. The whole incident infuriated the visitors, Antonio Rudiger and Edouard Mendy picked up bookings either side of the penalty.
Half-time came at the right time for the Blues as they had 15 minutes to calm down and compose themselves.
Second half
Tuchel made a double substitution for the second half. Kovacic and Thiago Silva replaced Kante and Havertz. Although Chelsea’ game plan didn’t drastically change in the second half, the man advantage began to tell for the hosts soon after the restart. After Diogo Jota headed over, Virgil Van Dijk, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho had efforts from distance. Van Dijk and Fabinho denied by Mendy, while Henderson came agonizingly close to his goal at Stamford Bridge in 2016. Robertson too had a well-struck effort saved by Mendy as Chelsea managed to weather the storm.
Following the barrage, Chelsea were able to breathe a bit easy and even created some attacking moments of their own. Kovacic had Chelsea’s best second half chance late on but didn’t really trouble Alisson. Liverpool mounted a late charge but efforts from Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold couldn’t overpower Mendy.
This match evokes memories of Anfield 2014, when Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea did a brilliant job on Brendan Rodgers’s title chasing Liverpool. Thomas Tuchel and his Chelsea team also learned a lot from the West Brom capitulation a few months ago.
What does it mean for the league table?
The biggest winners yesterday were West Ham. Despite dropping points at home to Crystal Palace, they remained top thanks to this draw. Chelsea and Liverpool are right behind them, behind only on goals scored. Chelsea and Liverpool are locked on points, goal difference and goals scored, as they were before the weekend.
Up next
Following the international break, Chelsea and Liverpool resume Premier League duties. Chelsea are home to Aston Villa on Saturday, 11th September, while Liverpool travel to high octane Leeds United on Sunday.