Liverpool 0-1 Chelsea: 5 talking points as Blues inflict further misery on Jurgen Klopp's charges | Premier League 2020-21

#3 Liverpool immediately overcommit bodies in the second half

Sadio Mane's pace and threat were carefully handled by Chelsea's defenders

As you'd expect from a team that has accumulated over 95 points in each of the last two seasons, Liverpool came flying out of the blocks in the second half.

They completely pushed Ben Chilwell and Reece James behind, while also forcing Kante and Jorginho to cover for the forwards who were deployed to load a counter-attack. The overload of midfielders led to an increase in space for Firmino, who enjoyed more chances down the bylines and whipped crosses in.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson fizzed balls across the face of goal, with Liverpool also coming extremely close after the hour-mark during a series of bombarded crosses from either side.

They committed four players just beside Chelsea's first line of defense. This offered the visitors a chance to clear their lines, with Werner and Hakim Ziyech lined up against the opposition center-backs.

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#4 Chelsea's defensive solidity thwarts Liverpool

Cesar Azpilicueta and his defenders were spotless against Liverpool

Chelsea's defenders were right on top of their stride. They were on their toes, superior in the air and were clear-cut favorites whenever challenged by a fluent Liverpool forward line.

It was focused team work from the midfielders and wing-backs, but Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger put forth a collective and complete display at the back.

They were brilliant with their communication and measured with their approach. The way they won possession back for the side and maintained composure while playing out from the back was stupendous. Christensen, in particular, was solid at the heart of defense, finishing the game with over 93% accurate passes and a total of six interceptions.

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#5 Jorginho exemplified Thomas Tuchel's idea of 'player characteristics'

Jorginho and Thomas Tuchel outsmarted Liverpool

“For me he is a double-six because we can use his energy, his range in his game, his ability to recover the ball. For me he is a guy who is a big, big helper for everybody, with the mentality of a water-carrier – but at the same time a world-class player who played a crucial role in the World Cup win for France."

These were the words of Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, who explained his idea of having Kante in a double pivot. In his interviews, the German has highlighted that his management team opted for a back three behind a 'double six' due to the characteristics of the Chelsea personnel in midfield.

While working as a pair, Jorghino and Mateo Kovacic offer accuracy combined with guile. With Kante and Kovacic, there's blistering energy in possession and potent ball-carrying ability to break rigid midfield setups.

Jorginho's game by numbers for Chelsea vs. Liverpool:100% aerials won87% passing accuracy81 touches5 tackles (most)3 interceptions (most)2 ball recoveries2 fouls won1 clearance1 block1 clean sheetThomas Tuchel is a fan. 🤗 pic.twitter.com/OOmrAqV1XQ

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 4, 2021

There were questions raised about Jorginho and Kante in this system, but the duo completely outplayed their counterparts. The latter was at his intelligent best, sensing threats, closing down little gaps and robbing the ball off Liverpool players.

Tuchel demanded speed when he chose his starting XI. Jorghinho's quick-thinking and first-time passes to Kante or into Werner's path underpinned the manager's idea.

With the most tackles and interceptions made by any Chelsea player, Jorginho proved why it was yet another tactical masterclass in selection from Tuchel. It's definitely not just the Chelsea defense that has been pivotal to their sumptuous defensive record under the German.