Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea: Player Ratings

Chelsea

The Brazilian came on to score late in the game.

Thibaut Courtois – 6

The often reliant Belgian shot-stopper almost embarrassed himself when he let a weak shot from Salah squirm from under him. However, there was very little that he could have done to prevent Liverpool’s goal and did well to make a few crucial saves in the 2nd half.

Davide Zappacosta – 6

The Italian’s presence was believed to be a big concern for Liverpool going into the game and while he did began the game well, he failed to add to his side’s attack. However, we must also acknowledge that the Italian was very good defensively and provided Liverpool with no time and space to operate in, and if not for his erroneous passing, he could have had a higher rating.

Gary Cahill – 6

The England international ensured that his side remained in a commanding position throughout the first half. However, he was taken out of the equation by Chamberlain’s short pass in the build-up to Liverpool’s game and could not do anything to stop the Reds from scoring.

Andreas Christensen – 7

When Conte brought in Christensen to replace David Luiz, the idea must have been to provide the Chelsea back-line with a lot more stability and the Dane has done that perfectly thus far.

He was tidy with the ball at his feet and worked well with his other centre-backs to squeeze the opposition for space in and around their own box and his performance will not go unnoticed amongst the Chelsea fans.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 7

The Spaniard has to be amongst the best in the Premier League on current form.

Though the Spaniard was at fault for Liverpool’s goal, there is no denying that he was by far Chelsea’s best defender on the evening. He won 75% of the 8 tackles that he entered into, made a couple of interceptions and was vital in ensuring that the Reds did not win the game courtesy of his timely intervention.

Marcos Alonso – 5

Alonso was amongst the Chelsea players who struggled on the night. The Spaniard struggled against the pace of Salah and Gomez and failed to contain them and Liverpool ensured that a majority of their attacking moves came from the right flank. His night went from bad to worse when he failed to hit the target from close range in the 82nd minute to bring Chelsea on level terms.

Danny Drinkwater – 7

It was his first Premier League start for Chelsea and the former Leicester man did not disappoint with his performance. He was unafraid to put his body on the line for the cause of his side and was better than his England midfield counterparts Henderson and Milner and could have scored via a wonderful run in the first half. Gareth Southgate, we hope you were keeping an eye on this game.

N’Golo Kante – 7

The Frenchman put in another performance that has become typical of him. He closed spaces well and did not afford the Liverpool midfield any time and space to operate in while also disrupting their rhythm constantly with a mix of tackles (he won 4 of the 9 tackles he entered into), interceptions and blocks while ensuring that he helped his midfield colleagues maintain the tempo of the game.

Tiemoue Bakayako – 5

Bakayako is still coming to grips with the pace and physicality of the Premier League and the game against Liverpool was an indication of the same. The midfielder failed to have any positive impact on the game and was largely restricted to being a spectator.

Eden Hazard – 8

Hazard was the best player on the pitch by a mile.

The Belgian was by far the best player on the evening as he constantly troubled the erratic Liverpool defence with his pace on and off the ball as well as skill. He completed a whopping 9 take-ons during the game and had every Liverpool fan at their edge of their seats as he looked the most likely of Chelsea players to threaten the host’s goal.

He came close to scoring in the 21st minute when he let fly from distance but was eventually rewarded for his persistence when his pass was converted (inadvertently?) by Willian.

Alvaro Morata – 6

Morata was his industrious self throughout the game but found the going tough especially with Matip ensuring that he found little time and space to operate in.

However, he often dropped deep in order to create opportunities for his teammates but was deemed ineffective by the Liverpool players.

Substitutes:

Cesc Fabregas – NA

The Spaniard was brought in for Drinkwater to infuse some creativity with Chelsea chasing the game.

Pedro – NA

Pedro was another Spaniard who was brought off the bench to infuse some creativity with Chelsea chasing the game.

Willian – 6

He scored the vital equaliser in the 85th minute to ensure that both the sides went home with a solitary point.