Defences were firmly on top as Chelsea and Liverpool played out a 0-0 draw at Anfield. In a game of few chances, an offside Kai Havertz goal three minutes in was the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock. The result leaves Chelsea in 10th, nine points away from Champions League qualification.
Kepa Arrizabalaga- 7/10
A quiet game for Kepa, who was rarely tested by Liverpool’s attack. He only had to make a few simple saves, but the Spaniard did impress with the ball at his feet.
Trevoh Chalobah- 7/10
Another strong defensive performance from Chalobah, who did well to restrict Liverpool’s attacking chances before injury forced him off in the late stages. Playing at right back for the second game in a row, Chalobah helped Chelsea maintain their second clean sheet on the bounce.
Thiago Silva- 8.5/10
A flawless performance from Thiago Silva, who at this point has convinced me that he simply does not age. The Brazilian made three blocks, three interceptions, and six clearances. A dominant display at the back.
Benoît Badiashile– 8/10
Chelsea’s new centre-back followed up an impressive debut, with arguably an even better performance today. The French giant looked composed defensively and on the ball. Played his part alongside Cucurella to keep Mohammed Salah quiet. However, he will be disappointed not to have scored when he met Ziyech’s cross but could only fire straight at Alisson.
Marc Cucurella- 7/10
Cucurella had been left on the bench for Chelsea’s past three games following a run of poor form, but the Spaniard bounced back today. He made six tackles, the most out of anyone on the pitch. Cucurella played a pivotal role in keeping Salah quiet for the entirety of the game.
Jorginho- 7/10
Jorginho helped maintain a sense of control in Chelsea’s game today, sitting deep in midfield. The Italian made five tackles and four interceptions in a strong defensive performance. Maybe a sense of being too timid going forward, however, only playing one long ball in ninety minutes.
Lewis Hall- 5/10
Perhaps too early for Hall to be thrown into such a big game, however, with injuries Potter may not have had much choice. The 18-year-old struggled on the ball in midfield under the heavy Liverpool press. Hall did have one chance to get on the scoresheet when his close-range shot flashed across the face of goal.
Connor Gallagher- 6/10
There is a fine line between pressing the ball hard, and just being rash – and it is sometimes difficult to tell what side of the line Gallagher is on. The Englishman made four fouls today, some of which were in quite dangerous positions. There is, however, no one quite like him in Chelsea’s side who can switch on a press as fast as Gallagher, who looked the most likely to win the ball high up the pitch and force something for Chelsea today. A mixed performance.
Mason Mount- 3/10
A really disappointing day for Mason Mount. The English midfielder struggled to get himself involved in the game at all, and when he did, he often let himself and others down. A number of over and under-hit passes broke up Chelsea attacks on several occasions before he was substituted 10 minutes from time.
Kai Havertz- 6/10
So close to the perfect start for Kai Havertz, who bundled home three minutes into the game only to have the goal ruled out for an extremely tight offside. From there, the German tried to keep himself involved in the game, winning six aerial balls. Going forward, however, the German struggled to find any chances.
Hakim Ziyech- 7/10
Hakim Ziyech can count himself unlucky not to have at least one assist today. The Moroccan played multiple flawless crosses into the box only for the chances to be spurred. He almost produced a moment of magic when he seemed to glide through Liverpool’s entire defence, only to blaze his shot way over the bar.
Subs :
Mykhailo Mudryk- 7.5*/10
Free Mudryk they said, well he certainly showed a freedom on the pitch today that Chelsea have been sorely lacking. The Ukrainian was introduced early in the second half with the Blues struggling, and he changed the game completely, with his pace forcing Liverpool’s defenders to sit deeper. A Hazard-esque run saw Mudryk glide past the Liverpool defenders with some beautiful close control, only for his shot to hit the side netting. A really promising debut.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang- N/A
César Azpilicueta- N/A
Carney Chukwuemeka- N/A
Graham Potter- 7/10
A point at Anfield is never something to be looked down on, however, there must be some disappointment felt by Potter today as the win certainly looked there for the taking. The Blues were the better team today but there is still a sense of disjointment in attack that urgently needs resolving. Potter now has two weeks before Chelsea’s next fixture, which gives him a chance to weave new signings into the squad and hopefully welcome back some injured faces.
Mount 3/10
Ziyech 7/10
bro you watched the game?
what Ziyech’s assist are you talking about? When he dribbled Liverpool’s defence and shot in the stands instead of passing to Mudryk who was wide open?