Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea (5-4 on pens): 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

Liverpool edged past Chelsea in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to clinch the UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul. The game had a good ebb and flow to it throughout with both teams trading blows from the outset.

The Champions League winners started the brighter of the two sides but were quickly pegged back by the Blues, who mounted several attacks in an incredible first-half display.

The Europa League champions finally unlocked the Reds’ door in the 36th minute when Olivier Giroud slotted home. There were no further goals in the 1st half and Liverpool trailed 1-0 at the break.

However, Jurgen Klopp’s decision to bring on Roberto Firmino paid immediate dividends as the Brazilian set up his strike partner, Sadio Mane to bundle the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga just three minutes after half time.

The match went into extra time as both teams were deadlocked at the end of ninety minutes. Liverpool drew first blood in that period when Mane confidently finished past Kepa in the 95th minute. However, the Reds’ lead lasted only six minutes as Jorginho’s penalty restored parity.

The penalty shoot-out saw each of the first nine attempts rippling the net before Tammy Abraham’s shot was saved by Adrian.

Here is a look at the five talking points from the game:

#5 Chelsea run Liverpool ragged in the first half

The 2019 UEFA Super Cup was a historic occasion as two English teams were fighting for the prize for the first time. However, both sides had a lot more at stake come the game.

For Liverpool, the game represented a chance to lay down an early-season marker and signal their intention of conquering all fronts. Chelsea, meanwhile, had the opportunity to hand Frank Lampard some silverware at the start of his tenure.

The game, in consonance with the enormous stakes, lived up to the billing with a sizzling first half. Though the Reds started the better of the two sides, the Blues seized control midway through the half and propelled themselves into the ascendancy.

Thereafter, Chelsea swarmed Liverpool all over the pitch with their attackers not allowing the former’s defenders a moment’s peace on the ball. In addition, the midfield, buoyed by the returning N’Golo Kante, imposed itself on the game and kept things ticking swiftly through the middle.

However, the most impressive aspect of the Blues’ game-play was their offensive movement. The trio of Christian Pulisic, Olivier Giroud and Pedro caused the Reds’ much-vaunted defence a lot of problems and expertly created space for each other.

One such move led to the goal with Pulisic grabbing the ball in between the lines, dragging defenders towards him and then releasing Giroud. The Frenchman finished past Adrian with aplomb to hand Lampard’s side the lead.

On Sunday, Chelsea started equally well against Manchester United but dug their grave a touch by gifting the Red Devils a cheap penalty. However, on Wednesday, the Blues ensured that they strung together a cohesive first-half display and in the process, they ran the 2018-19 Champions League winners completely ragged.

#4 Christian Pulisic dazzles on his first start for Chelsea

Pulisic dazzled on his first Chelsea start

Back in January, Chelsea got their chequebook out and acquired the services of Christian Pulisic. The American was signed with an eye on the impending departure of Eden Hazard and the Blues’ swiftness in the winter ensured that they were able to register the forward before their transfer ban struck.

Inevitably, the youngster was looked upon as a ready-made replacement for Hazard with expectations hitting fever pitch. And, against Liverpool, the American did make a case for being able to take up that mantle briskly.

Pulisic started the game with intent and his direct running caught the Liverpool defence off-guard. Additionally, his close control and quick feet allowed him to wriggle out of tight areas with ease.

The winger was a constant outlet down the flank for Chelsea and even popped up in the centre at times. On one particular occasion, the American’s propensity to drive the ball forward attracted the Liverpool defenders towards him.

At that juncture, Pulisic displayed the resolve to pick out the right pass and play in Giroud. The American also had a brilliant goal chalked out for a marginal offside.

Through his tenure at Stamford Bridge, Hazard carved a niche for himself and led the club to unparalleled heights. Thus, the player expected to take his place was always going to be under an enormous amount of pressure.

However, if early performances are any indicator, one reckons that Pulisic is revelling in the responsibility accorded to him. And, with age on his side, the American could well embark on a giant upward curve in the games to come.

#3 Chelsea complement Sunday’s attacking promise with an end product

Giroud opened the scoring with a wonderful finish

Chelsea and Lampard were on the wrong side of a 4-0 scoreline on Sunday and though the score-line represented an absolute pasting, that was hardly the case at Old Trafford. The Blues showcased a lot of attacking verve and were slightly unlucky to not make the net bulge, despite having several opportunities to do so.

However, on Wednesday, the West London outfit conjured the end product that was sorely lacking from their game at the weekend.

Throughout the match, the Blues looked competent offensively and displayed composure in the attacking third.

Their efforts bore fruit in the 36th minute when Olivier Giroud was sent free courtesy a Pulisic through ball. The Frenchman took the ball in his stride and calmly finished past Adrian from the left-sided channel.

Another flowing move in the first period of extra-time saw the ball bounce towards Tammy Abraham, who displayed predatory instincts to nick the ball in front of Adrian, leading the latter to foul him and consequently, earning Chelsea a penalty.

At the weekend, several people were out with their knives waiting to massacre the Blues for shipping four goals against a top-four rival. Yet, that felt a tad unfair, considering the sheer number of openings they had carved out for themselves.

And on Wednesday, they portrayed that they’re indeed learning from their mistakes.

Though the two-goal salvo was not enough to land silverware, it certainly bodes well for Chelsea’s youthful squad moving forward.

#2 Cesar Azpilicueta adds to Chelsea’s defensive woes

Azpilicueta's form is becoming a concern for Chelsea

The 2019 off-season was always going be a strange period for Chelsea, a club that regularly ranks as one of the most active in the market, now had to take a back-seat and ensure none of their assets left them. However, the Blues were unable to do so and let David Luiz join Arsenal on deadline day.

Though the Brazilian was prone to the odd mistake, he definitely was a leader who rallied those around him. The inexperience in the defensive department reared its ugly head at Old Trafford o the 11th of August when Andreas Christensen, Emerson and Kurt Zouma were torn to shreds by a rampant counter-attacking team.

However, more surprisingly, it was Cesar Azpilicueta’s uninspired performance that caused a furrowed brow or two.

The Spaniard has been Chelsea’s ‘Mr. Dependable’ over the years and has deputised in numerous positions across the defensive line. Yet, the defender has been anything but dependable in the opening few fixtures of the season.

Against Liverpool, both goals came off his side. While he was culpable of playing Roberto Firmino on-side for the build-up to the first goal, he again allowed the Brazilian to get through, enabling the Liverpool forward to square the ball to Mane.

Moreover, he was caught out of position on several occasions and wasn’t as penetrative with his passes forward.

During the summer, Lampard might’ve looked at Azpilicueta, hoping for the Spaniard to act as the glue for a greenhorn defence. Yet, nothing of the sort has transpired so far and the Chelsea manager might have to go searching for an answer he believed he’d known before the season started proper.

#1 Adrian the hero as Liverpool add another Istanbul string to their European bow

Liverpool started off the game well and dominated the early proceedings. However, Chelsea quickly turned the tables and got into the ascendancy. The theme continued for the rest of the first half and the Reds fought tooth and nail to ensure they faced only a one-goal deficit at the break.

In the second period, Jurgen Klopp’s men turned the screw themselves and got onto the front foot. However, despite the offensive threat they carried, they were found wanting at the back, at times. Fortunately for them, their reserve goalkeeper, Adrian weathered the storm and made a string of saves, allowing Liverpool to maintain their foothold in the game.

Though the goalkeeper conceded a penalty in extra time, he redeemed himself in the shoot-out by saving Tammy Abraham’s spot-kick.

The save meant that Liverpool had clinched their 6th European trophy this century, a tally not matched by any of their English counterparts. But more importantly, the early silverware could act as a springboard for what might lie ahead.

The Reds weren’t at their best during pre-season and their transfer activity (or lack of) left a few football fanatics and pundits a shade sceptical. Yet, with a major trophy in the bag, Liverpool now look primed for another tilt at the title that has eluded them: The Premier League.

And, while the victory in Istanbul in 2019 might not be as glamorous as the club’s achievement in the same arena 14 years ago, one reckons that it could end up being just as important in their history.

After all, if they indeed lift the league title in May 2020, Klopp might look back at this night in Istanbul, an evening when all the stars started aligning itself favourably.

Edited by Amar Anand