Frank Lampard faced the biggest test of his managerial career as Chelsea squared up against Liverpool at the Vodafone Arena in the UEFA Super Cup. The Blues came up with a performance which should bring them confidence after a disastrous start to the Premier League. They ran Liverpool close and were only separated by a spot-kick in the end. This game ended at 2-2 AET and the Reds clinched the title on penalties by winning 5-4.
Liverpool started the game strongly, but Chelsea soon began to dominate the proceedings as they were winning the midfield battle. They created some good moments before Olivier Giroud put them into the lead with a smart finish. Pulisic also managed to find the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out due to offside.
The Champions League holders brought Firmino on, and he was able to make an immediate impact as he assisted Mane in the 48th minute. Chelsea weathered the storm of Liverpool attacks, and they started to get back into the game. Arrizabalaga made a fantastic save of Van Dijk to keep his side level, and the game went into extra time.
Sadio Mane put Liverpool up in extra time, but Jorginho equalised from the spot to bring the score to 2-2. The second half extra time was played at a slow pace, and both teams clearly wanted to go to penalties.
Tammy Abraham missed the final spot-kick as both the teams scored all the other penalties.
Kepa Arrizabalaga 7
Made one smart save in the first half. His second-half save of Van Dijk from close quarters was a big one. Unlucky to not keep out two penalties as he got his hand on the ball.
Kurt Zouma 6.5
Made some crucial interceptions and blocks but Liverpool had their fair share of chances as well. Was dominant in the air.
Andreas Christensen 6
Looked decent in the first half. However, was found wanting in the second half on occasions and Lampard decided to substitute him.
Emerson Palmieri 6
Salah troubled him, and he found it hard to get involved in the game while going forward. Provided a good work rate and scored from the spot as well.
Cesar Azpilicueta 7
Worked hard down the right and kept things tight. Improved from the Manchester United game.
N’golo Kante 8.5
Known for his off the ball qualities but the World Cup winner carried the ball forward well and found some neat passes. Was almost everywhere and was unlucky to be on the losing side as he looked like the best player on the pitch.
Mateo Kovacic 6
Did alright in midfield. Unspectacular but steady with his passing.
Jorginho 7
When Chelsea were in possession, Jorginho played a big part in spraying passes. Was troubled on occasions defensively. Equalised in extra time and scored in the shootout as well.
Pedro 8
His runs in between the channels really caused a lot of trouble to the opposition. Hit the bar early on. Looked threatening whenever he was allowed to run at the defence.
Christian Pulisic 6.5
Set up Giroud smartly for the goal. Troubled Gomes down the right. Tapered off as the game went on.
Olivier Giroud 7
Was in the thick of things in the first half. Took his goal well and held up play smartly.
Substitutes
Ross Barkley 6
Provided a fresh pair of legs on the pitch.
Tammy Abraham 5
Won the penalty. Should have scored the winner in extra time. Turned out to be the villain as he missed his spot-kick in the end.
Mason Mount 6
Made some good forward runs and took a decent attempt on goal.
Fikayo Tomori 6
Looked alright defensively after he came on.
