Liverpool appear to be moving away from Champions League places after Arne Slott’s side endured a crushing defeat in Europe against Chelsea at lunchtime on Saturday. The game started promisingly for the Reds, with Ryan Gravenbirch’s exquisite strike curling past an outstretched Filip Jorgensen to give Liverpool the advantage. And that advantage could easily have been extended by Virgil van Dijk.
However, the Dutchman fired a shot over the crossbar after the ball accidentally fell inside the six-yard box. A lack of concentration allowed Chelsea a route back into contention when Enzo Fernandes’s driven cross evaded everyone and found itself in the far corner of the Reds’ net.
The equalizer for Chelsea proved to be a familiar story for Liverpool, but while the Blues enjoyed an Anfield run, their midfield appeared to have virtually disappeared.
Slott’s men did little to trouble Chelsea, who were creating chance after chance through Liverpool’s rearguard. The interval whistle is merciful and provides some respite.
Cole Palmer believed he had put Chelsea in the lead in the second half, but was caught offside during the build-up, and shortly afterwards Kodi Gakpo met with the same result.
Liverpool were gradually rediscovering their rhythm, thanks in large part to rising talent Rio Ngumoja. Slott’s decision to quit was met with loud boos from the Anfield fans.
As soon as Ngmoha was substituted, Liverpool appeared to have lost their advantage, but Chelsea began to find their footing again.
The Blues claimed they deserved a penalty when Joao Pedro was brought down by Jeremy Frimpong, but VAR ruled that Pedro had instigated the contact with the full-back.
Slott’s side currently occupy fourth place in the Premier League, but could be snatched by Aston Villa if they beat relegated Burnley on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, sixth-placed Bournemouth have a chance to close the gap to five points.
The Cherries take to the pitch against Fulham at 3pm. Champions League qualification remains a difficult task, but a win could put unnecessary pressure on the slot side as the season enters its final stages.
