A superb defensive display from the 10-men of Chelsea ensured Thomas Tuchel’s side earned a share of the spoils against Liverpool yesterday and he were pick out the main talking points from a pulsating fixture…
Kai Havertz headed Chelsea into a first-half lead at Anfield, before the game was turned on its head by a VAR decision that saw a penalty awarded to the hosts, which Mo Salah converted, and saw Reece James sent off for handball.
Flying Kai and half-time changes
It’s fair to say that Thomas Tuchel knows how to get the best out of Kai Havertz. The silky German shone again for Chelsea against Liverpool, netting our opener at Anfield, and looking sharp with his direct running at the Reds defence.
The German rose well at the front post to loop a header over Alisson and into the far corner after 21 minutes, netting his fifth goal in all competitions under Tuchel and meaning only Mason Mount has scored more than Havertz under the German.
Havertz was withdrawn at half-time as an unfortunate tactical tweak following the red card to Reece James, with Mateo Kovacic and Thiago Silva introduced to help add a steely resolve to the Blues side as we battled away with a man less.
Defensive masterclass
The introduction of Kovacic and Thiago Silva epitomised just how solid the Blues were against the 11 men of Liverpool.
The Brazilian defender in particular showed his experience and knowhow, making an impressive four interceptions two tackles to thwart the likes of Salah and Sadio Mane.
Huge praise should also go to Andreas Christensen, who made seven vital clearances, and defensive partner Toni Rudiger who played his part with three tackles and three interceptions.
Landmark for Azpi
Can anyone rival our captain for the title of ‘best value for money’ in a signing? What a player he has been for Chelsea and the Spaniard put in another fantastic display, on what was his 300th Premier League appearance for the Blues at Liverpool.
Azpi made an incredible nine clearances at Anfield to ensure we left with a share of the spoils, as well as six tackles in total.
The defender was quick to thank the travelling Chelsea fans at full-time, who responded by showing their admiration for the skipper, who also celebrated his 32nd birthday on Saturday.