Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea looked like they would steal all three points from Liverpool’s trip to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League this weekend but a late strike from Daniel Sturridge rescued a point for the visitors. Eden Hazard gave Chelsea a first-half lead with a smart finish past Alisson Becker. Jurgen Klopp’s men created plenty of chances in the second half, but they needed a wonder goal from their English striker, who came off the bench to score with his only touch in the game, to retain their unbeaten record in the Premier League.
It was easily one of the best games of this campaign and a draw was probably the perfect result for the game. Here are the player ratings for Sarri’s side in this tie.
Kepa Arrizabalaga (7):
Made a couple of smart saves and was quick to claim corners. Was also superb with his distribution as he continues to impress in goal for Chelsea.
Marcos Alonso (6):
Could have scored with the last kick of the game. Was at times caught out of position at the back but showed enough discipline to help his side stay on top.
David Luiz (7):
A couple of sublime cross-field balls to Willian troubled Liverpool. He was also solid at the back, hardly giving the likes of Firmino or Salah any space. Made a goal-line clearance that was crucial for Chelsea to keep their lead.
Antonio Rudiger (8):
Stuck close to Sadio Mane, and almost negated his effect on the game. Was quick to step out and make interceptions and hardly put a foot wrong all night. Like Luiz, stopped a shot from Salah on the goal line when 1-0 up.
Cesar Azpilicueta (6):
Added numbers to the backline when needed and was the reason Chelsea were rarely troubled on their right.
Jorginho (6):
A relatively quiet game, where he often found himself breaking up play and helping his side recycle possession in the middle of the park.
N Golo Kante (7):
His energy in the middle of the park often won the ball back for Chelsea in dangerous areas. Played a couple of decent through balls as well, that could have finished Liverpool off.
Mateo Kovacic (8):
Reliable and useful with the ball, Kovacic set up Hazard on his bike for the goal. He was also crucial in the home side creating space in and around the Liverpool box.
Willian (6):
Used his pace well on a couple of occasions but did not find enough joy to effect the score-line.
Olivier Giroud (6):
Played a couple of delightful passes in close quarters to open the Liverpool defence. But cut a frustrating figure otherwise, hardly testing Alisson on goal.
Eden Hazard (8):
The best player on the pitch on the night, Hazard was unstoppable at times. He created plenty of half chances and could have scored another in the second half, but for the Alisson save. Unlucky to only pick up a point for his efforts.
Substitutes:
Alvaro Morata (6):
Added some fresh legs to the attack and almost scored from a Liverpool mix-up at the back.
Victor Moses (5):
Was involved in a couple of attacks but did not threaten the opposition backline enough to break them down.
Ross Barkley (5):
Won a free kick high up late in the game but that was his most significant contribution in a ten-minute cameo.
