Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool: 5 talking points as Pulisic denies Reds in 4-goal thriller | Premier League 2021-22

#3 Key AFCON participants star for Liverpool and Chelsea

Mendy (left) and Mane (right) were the star performers on the night.

In addition to being a clash between two direct title rivals, the Chelsea-Liverpool game was notable for another reason. Key players from both clubs are set to feature at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon later this month.

The Reds have first-team regulars like Salah, Mane and Naby Keita jetting off for the tournament. For Chelsea, first-choice goalkeeper Edouard Mendy will be a notable miss.

The goalscoring contributions of Salah and Mane on Sunday were matched by Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, underlining their importance to their respective teams. With key players away for up to a month, there could be ramifications in the Premier League title race.

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#4 The packed festive schedule is starting to catch up with teams

Squad management seemed to take on increasing importance as the game progressed.

The thrilling first half of this game set up the prospect of an exhilarating ending that eventually failed to materialise. With both sides already missing players for a variety of reasons, those on the pitch seemed to run out of steam towards the end.

A mix of fatigue and caution seemed to hold both Chelsea and Liverpool back from going full-tilt after the restart. The added prospect of losing ground in the title race meant the second half was a lot more stop-start in nature than the first.

As such, robust challenges and lung-bursting sprints were less prevalent in the second half, and the pressing less intense as well. Squad management seemed to take precedence as both teams settled for a share of the spoils.

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#5 Chelsea and Liverpool cede ground to Manchester City in title race

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City were the major beneficiaries of Chelsea and Liverpool's draw.

The final whistle at Stamford Bridge ended a near-perfect week for league leaders Manchester City. Having wrapped up an 11th-straight league win, Pep Guardiola’s men enjoyed an 11-point lead atop the table before Chelsea and Liverpool faced off at Stamford Bridge.

The second and third-placed teams playing out a draw was the perfect result for City. They now enjoy a ten-point cushion over second-placed Chelsea. Liverpool sit one point and a place behind the Blues, having played a game less. Only PSG (13 points) have a larger advantage at the top of the table in Europe's top five leagues than City.

With the two title challengers well behind, City are all set to win their fourth Premier League title in five years this summer.