Premier League 2019/20, Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool: 5 Hits and Flops

#1 Hit: N'Golo Kante

Kante's second-half stunner, 20 yards out, typified a welcome return display by the World Cup winner

Making his return from an recurring ankle injury that plagued him late last season, N'Golo Kante was Chelsea's best player and showed precisely what The Blues have been missing in his absence. The typical relentless energy and infectious defensive attitude was on show for all to marvel, particularly when he dispossessed Salah and others while making a number of ball recoveries.

His display exposed a Liverpool midfield trio who were leggy, while refusing to shy away from physical battles despite his distinct size disadvantage. That fearlessness and desire to help drag his teammates out of a precarious situation down 2-0 was emphasised with a beautiful finish midway through the second-half.

Exploiting Fabinho's static off-the-ball movement to bypass the Brazilian with ease, he fired home an uncharacteristic - but nonetheless brilliant - finish to halve the deficit and present the hosts with a lifeline his industry had deserved. Winning eight of 15 duels contested, three tackles, two interceptions and successful dribbles, one clearance and netting his ninth Chelsea goal on appearance 145 in England's top-flight.

It was precisely the type of display which reiterates his indispensable status at Chelsea and why compatriot Zinedine Zidane so dearly wants him at Real Madrid. Despite signing a lucrative £300k per week contract extension last winter, fans will pray he doesn't join Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard in Madrid, instead looking to retain him long-term. He's one of very few players league-wide that deserve their lucrative wage packet and is undisputedly their best player.

Stats' source: SofaScore and WhoScored