Liverpool started the best of both games, but after Chelsea withstood the initial storm, we quickly grew into the game and it was a fairly even game for most of the first half.
Both teams pressed high and recovered quickly, with most chances due to an occasional turnover or a big ball on top. Chelsea were the first to score one of those, with Werner passing the ball past Alisson and then into the empty net, but VAR shot it down for an insignificant outside, in yet another case of technology not good enough is not nearly good enough.
Chelsea recovered from that disappointment and would eventually take the lead thanks to Mason Mount who became Eden Hazard, cut inside from the left and found the bottom corner a few minutes before half-time.
Liverpool also started the second half better from both sides, but Chelsea quickly rose to the required levels again and in fact created several good opportunities, including a Ziyech shot from a Chilwell shot rebound that Robertson from the line down had to be removed. On the other hand, Kante survived what would have been a loud handball call in the area (but who knows even nowadays what handball is).
The host started putting serious pressure on the equalizer around the hour, leaving even more possible spaces for scorers, but Chelsea could not take advantage, with Werner pulling one excellent save from Alisson.
Luckily, on the other hand, Chelsea were equally excellent, and except for perhaps one panicked moment (with Chilwell scrambling away from the six yard line), Liverpool kept out.
Carefree!
- Three changes this weekend, with Jorginho, James and Werner for Kovacic, Hudson-Odoi and Giroud
- Pulisic passed Ziyech just past the hour mark to give more speed, and Kovacic for Mount for the last ten to give more presence in midfield in a 3-5-2. Havertz for Werner in extra time to waste time.
- Chelsea are fourth again, with West Ham idle until the weekend.
- Next: another massive game for top four / six considerations, at home against Everton on Monday
- KTBFFH
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