The European champions Chelsea made a dramatic comeback from two-goal down against fellow Premier League title contender Liverpool on Sunday.
Within the first minute of action, Sadio Mane’s challenge on Cesar Azpilicueta was on review for a possible red card. But the winger escaped with only a yellow card. Both the team had early chances to score following defensive errors.
Firstly, Trent Alexander-Arnold messed up a clearance. But Christian Pulisic could not break the deadlock following the mistake. On the other end, Trevoh Chalobah also made a mess of a clearance. But Sadio Mane showed no mercy and scored the first goal of the game.
Later in the first half, Mohamed Salah doubled Liverpool’s lead with a brilliant near-post finish from Alexander-Arnold pass. At two goals down Chelsea still were very much in the game and Mateo Kovacic scored an unstoppable volley from the edge of the box to cut the deficit to one. Christian Pulisic levelled proceedings at the stroke of half-time.
Mendy produced fine stops to deny Salah and Mane to keep the game level in the second half. Chelsea had the majority of the possession in the second half but could not turn it into goals and the game ended 2-2. The result worked out perfectly for Manchester City, who are now 10 points ahead of Chelsea and 11 points ahead of Liverpool.
Chelsea player ratings vs Liverpool
Edouard Mendy 7
Could not do anything about the Liverpool two goals. But made some really important saves from Salah and Mane to keep the game level at 2-2.
Cesar Azpilicueta 7
Went toe to toe with Mane for the whole game. Displayed his good long-range passing and put in a proper shift for the whole game.
Trevoh Chalobah 5
He was at fault for the Liverpool opening goal. Looked really shaky at times.
Thiago Silva 6
Looked effortless in possession like always. The veteran dealt with the Liverpool press really well.
Antonio Rudiger 7
Did not get any defensive cover from Marcos Alonso but still managed the game quite well, made some key interceptions.
Marcos Alonso 5
Completely outpaced by Salah for the Liverpool second goal. Got forward to support the attack but could not make any real impact.
N’Golo Kante 8
Ran the midfield and was everywhere on the pitch. His passing was crisp, accurate, and superb and he also set up the Christian Pulisic goal.
Mateo Kovacic 9
He scored the first Chelsea goal with a superb first-time volley and looked superb in the middle of the park.
Christian Pulisic 7
Messed up an early chance to open the proceedings but scored the 2nd Chelsea goal. He was used back to the right-wing back position in the second half.
Mason Mount 5
Not his best performance but he still worked hard and did some good tracking back to help his backline.
Kai Havertz 5
Struggled to get into the game and failed to have any real impact on the proceedings as the striker.
Follow us on Twitter for regular football updates.
