A crucial match. Having been in great difficulty for several weeks, Chelsea traveled to Anfield to face Liverpool as part of the 36th day of the Premier League. Remaining on a worrying series of 6 consecutive defeats in the league, the Blues approached this meeting in a delicate situation, stuck in a disappointing 9th place before kick-off. Opposite, Liverpool also arrived after a poor performance against Manchester United, but nevertheless occupied a much more favorable position in the ranking with a crucial 4th place in the race for the Champions League. This clash took place in a particular context due to the numerous absences on both sides. The Reds had to cope without Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitiké, Florian Wirtz or even Alisson, while Chelsea were deprived of several important elements such as Pedro Neto, Estevão, Alejandro Garnacho and Robert Sánchez. A crucial meeting therefore, both for Liverpool, who were looking to consolidate their place in the top 4, and for Chelsea, who absolutely had to stop their negative spiral.
And the match did not take long to get carried away since after only 6 minutes of play, Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring with a magnificent curling shot, unstoppable for the London goalkeeper, allowing Liverpool to quickly take the lead at Anfield (1-0). But interim coach Calum McFarlane’s men were able to react throughout the first half. Dominant in the game against the Reds who were fairly regrouped and uninspired offensively, the Blues ended up equalizing thanks to Enzo Fernandez (1-1, 35th), whose free kick found the back of the net directly without any player managing to deflect it. Despite better collective control from Chelsea, the two teams finally separated with a parity score at the break.
A draw that suits no one
Returning from the locker room, Chelsea came back with even more intensity and immediately pushed to regain the advantage. Cole Palmer initially thought he would revive the Blues – and put an end to his long drought, having not scored since March 4 – after a clear strike concluded in the back of the net following a ball pushed back by Giorgi Mamardashvili. But after intervention by the VAR, the goal was finally refused for an offside position by Marc Cucurella at the start of the action. Despite this frustration, the Londoners continued to dominate the debates and win numerous duels, like Malo Gusto, author of an excellent defensive return in the 53rd minute in front of his opponent. The Reds also saw Curtis Jones’ goal disallowed for an illegal position by Cody Gakpo, which could have made it 2-2 on the hour mark.
Aware that his team was not offering the expected level, Arne Slot decided to start his star striker Alexander Isak in place of Rio Ngumoha, a choice which provoked the bronca of Anfield, the public wanting to see the young nugget continue on the pitch. For their part, Chelsea also made a change with the entry of Reece James in place of Andrey Santos (63rd). Enzo Fernández received a yellow card after a big foul late on Curtis Jones (73rd). Despite the changes and the entry of several offensive elements, notably Federico Chiesa, neither team managed to gain the upper hand in the last quarter of an hour. The match ultimately ended in a draw which did not suit either team. With this result, Chelsea remain stuck in 9th place in the Premier League, while Liverpool maintain their 4th position. If Everton wins against Crystal Palace on Sunday, the Blues could even fall to a worrying 10th place.
