Runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool fell to their third defeat in four fixtures across all competitions, after suffering a 2-0 loss against Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge. Although the weakened Liverpool side started the game looking bright, the home team soon began to take control of proceedings, thanks to some excellent work from Scottish teenager Billy Gilmour in the middle of the park. Goals from Willian and former Everton man Ross Barkley ensured that the Blues entered the next round of the FA Cup at the expense of the European champions.
Chelsea Players Rated In Motivating Victory Vs Liverpool
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7.5
The Spaniard wasn’t called into action on too many occasions in the second half but pulled off a stellar triple save to keep the Reds at bay in the first. Looked confident with the ball at his feet too.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
The Spaniard put in a solid display at right-back as he didn’t allow Andrew Robertson any joy going forward. Made some excellent tracking runs and supported in attack as well.
Antonio Rudiger – 8
Celebrating his birthday today, the German international had a solid game in the heart of the defence. He was tasked with the difficult job of man-marking Van Dijk but did it efficiently.
Kurt Zouma – 6.5
The Frenchman had a couple of questionable and tense moments over the course of the ninety but wasn’t overly troubled by the Liverpool attackers. Stood firm and moved the ball around well.
Marcos Alonso – 7.5
The Spaniard had another superb game down the flank, giving Lampard further selection worries going into the weekend. Bombarded forward on every opportunity and played some good forward balls.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
The Croatian international moved the ball around with confidence and caused the Liverpool defence a lot of problems with his through balls. Unfortunately had to come off injured in the first half.
Billy Gilmour – 9
The 18-year-old Scot was undoubtedly the star of the show tonight as he showed an incredible amount of composure. Controlled the tempo of the game with his passing and got past players at will.
Willian – 6.5
The Brazilian put in an imposing performance until he had to be taken off with an untimely injury. Had a thunderbolt saved a few moments before Adrian spilt his second attempt on goal.
Ross Barkley – 8.5
The former Everton star Barkley was another one of the Blues’ best performers tonight. Carried the ball an insane distance and then showed amazing composure to put it past Adrian.
Pedro – 7.5
The Spanish veteran had his best game in a long time for Chelsea, as he linked up exceptionally well with both the full-backs. Had a couple of opportunities to score but wasn’t able to convert.
Olivier Giroud – 7
The Frenchman didn’t win as many headers as required from Kepa’s long clearances. Did some good work bringing players into the game and even had a shot bounce off the bar.
Substitutes
Mason Mount – 8
The Englishman was forced to come onto the pitch prematurely owing to the injury picked up by Mateo Kovacic. Made some sharp forward runs and did well to link-up play in the second period.
Jorginho – 6.5
The Italian did slow down the tempo of Chelsea’s play with his thoughtful passing the middle of the park but did well to keep possession and run out the clock in the late stages of the fixture.
Reece James – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
