Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea, Premier League: Post-match reaction, ratings

Certainly no shortage of drama at Anfield tonight...

It all started very well for Chelsea, dealing with Liverpool’s early pressure, with the game being played at six-hundred miles an hour, and not much controlled possession from either side.

But Chelsea would grab the game’s opening goal about halfway through the half, with Kai Havertz making a typical near-post run, winning his header, and looping it over Alisson. It was a goal slightly against the run of play, but it shifted momentum firmly in Chelsea’s favor. Unfortunately, we wasted multiple fantastic opportunities, with Lukaku, Mount, and Havertz just not quite able to get on the same wavelength at the crucial moments.

Just when it looked like we would head into half-time at 1-0, Chelsea made a royal mess of a corner, and while James blocked two shots on the line, one of them he did so with a combination of his thigh and hand. Referee Anthony Taylor signaled for a video review, but he barely glanced at a freeze frame on the monitor before turning around, awarding the penalty, and sending James off.

The second half was almost all one-way traffic, 12-v-10. Chelsea had a rare chance or two on the counter, but couldn’t make them count.

But we also held on like lions in the second half, shutting Liverpool down, and that was great to see.

Carefree.

• One change from last weekend to the starting lineup, with Kanté replacing Kovačić.
• Half-time adjustments of Silva on for Havertz and Azpi pushing to right wing-back for the sent-off James. Kovačić also on for Kanté, who appeared to hurt his ankle. T.Chalobah on for the final few minutes in midfield.
• Chelsea playing a 5-3-1 by the end, with Mount-Chalobah-Kova in midfield.
• Jorginho and Kanté both pick up first half knocks. Jorginho able to run it off, Kanté evidently not. That’s a concern, obviously.
• Anthony Taylor. ‘Nuff said.
• Next up: international break
• Next game: Villa at home on Sep 11
• KTBFFH

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