A wonder goal from Daniel Sturridge helped Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool retain their unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The Reds travelled to face Chelsea just days after being knocked out of the League Cup by the Blues and it looked like they would suffer their second defeat against Maurizio Sarri’s side in this week until Sturridge rescued them.
Eden Hazard pulled out a superb finish to help Chelsea to a lead in the first half. The Reds came close, testing Kepa Arrizabalaga on a couple of occasions, also missing some simple chances. Chelsea’s centre-back pairing pulled out a couple of goal-line saves in either half, but that was not enough as Sturridge came off the bench, and scored a goal worthy of stealing a point from his previous club. Here are the player ratings for the Reds in this tie:
Alisson Becker (8):
Could be harshly criticised for Hazard’s goal. But was quick off his line on a couple of occasions and made a couple of outstanding saves that kept his side in the game.
Andrew Robertson (6):
Played a superb ball to Shaqiri that should have been the equaliser. Was troubled at times by Willian but was generally quick to recover and get his side out of danger.
Joe Gomez (8):
A matured performance once again from the youngster, who hardly put a foot wrong, even against the likes of Giroud and Hazard.
Virgil van Dijk (7):
Was impressive winning the ball back inside his box. Made a few blocks and clearances that were crucial for Liverpool to keep Chelsea away from Alisson’s goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6):
Did well to add width to the attack but was not fruitful with his crossing. Had a tough time marking Hazard on the wing and could have done better to keep him quiet.
Jordan Henderson (5):
Lost the ball in the middle of the park far too often but was quick to make interceptions and keep the Chelsea midfield honest.
Georginio Wijnaldum (5):
Kept it simple and did well to hold up play and keep the ball running.
James Milner (7):
His energy and willingness to throw himself about was a nuisance to the Chelsea midfield. Could not create chances but definitely reduced Chelsea’s threat in the middle.
Mohamed Salah (7):
The best attacker for Liverpool in the first half, Salah was unlucky not to score, when Rudiger cleared his weak shot, off the line. Needs to find some confidence and the goals will start to come.
Sadio Mane (6):
Was closely marked by Azpilicueta as he failed to stretch the Chelsea backline and create chances inside the box. Asked just one good question of Kepa, who answered it with a save.
Roberto Firmino (6):
His energy was vital for Liverpool to keep the Blues on their toes. But he was wayward with his passing and looked rusty for most of the night.
Substitutes
Naby Keita (6):
A couple of driving runs into the box, and a couple of interceptions is what he offered in the 20 minutes he was on the field.
Xherdan Shaqiri (6):
Kept the ball well and added a different dimension to Liverpool’s attack late in the game. Picked up a cheeky assist for Sturridge’s equaliser.
Daniel Sturridge (7):
The best finisher at Liverpool, Sturridge showed his teammates how to do it. Scored with his only touch of the game.
