For the first time in 129 years, Liverpool endured a fifth successive defeat at Anfield. Now, this is some kind of a record at the cost of the pride of the club. The fortress was breached long ago and the focus was such that the hole does not get bigger – sadly, it is getting bigger and right now, Anfield is becoming the happy hunting ground for the visiting teams.
A goal from Mason Mount on the brink of half-time was enough for Chelsea to secure a historic 1-0 win over Liverpool away from home. The win on Thursday takes Thomas Tuchel's side back into the top four of the Premier League.
It was a sensational performance from the Blues, who handled the game with an excellent application. They worked their way around Liverpool's feared press, carved openings through long balls, and defended well at the back-end.
Despite all the probing, the Reds only managed a solitary shot on target against Chelsea. The Blues have only conceded two goals since Thomas Tuchel joined the west London giants.
Adrian dropped to the bench with the return of Alisson.
Fabinho also returned from injury to replace Nathaniel Phillips in the Liverpool backline.
Chelsea made three changes to their side from their goalless draw against Manchester United.
James slotted into the side at wing-back in place of Hudson-Odoi. Jorginho started in the midfield ahead of Kovacic. Werner gets the nod to start in the final third as Giroud dropped to the bench.
Liverpool maintained their high line with more pressing, Chelsea crowded areas around Roberto Firmino to deny dangerous transitions.
Tuchel applied Timo Werner upfront as the lone forward to test the center-backs and receive the ball over the top and exploit the spaces behind the defenders.
In fact, as both teams continued to press for an opening with slick passing across the pitch, it was the pass from a deep, wide area to the channel that opened the game up early on.
There were passes to Antonio Rudiger's zone, where Mohamed Salah ran across to receive long balls, Mane was released as the winger sent him through and in between the center-halves, but Mane failed to release the shot.
The likes of Curtis Jones and N'Golo Kante often broke the opposition's play, causing the game to break multiple times with shorter spells of possession for either outfit.
The Blues were unlucky to have been denied a spectacular goal from Timo Werner when the forward was unleashed beyond the Liverpool back three by Jorginho's ball over the top.
He did extremely well to run ahead, chipping the ball over Alisson and then winning the race against Ozan Kabak to tap home what would have been a well-taken first goal.
However, it was not to be for the striker, who has hit the post more times than any other Chelsea player this term, as he was denied by a VAR intervention for offside.
With the half-time nearing, Mount was similarly released by N'Golo Kante down the left flank, who cut inside and then curled an inch-perfect effort to put Chelsea in front.
Chelsea displayed one-touch football in the midfield, giving themselves a chance to have time for the pass and then playing over the heads of Liverpool's central defenders.
This inflicted doubt upon Liverpool's defenders and ultimately proved to be the key that unlocked the backline of the Reds.
After the break, the Reds came out and threw more bodies forward.
Ben Chilwell and Reece James were pushed behind and also forcing Kante and Jorginho to cover for the forwards who were deployed to lead a counterattack. 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 Andy Robertson produced balls across the 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 defence, which helped the visitors a chance to clear their lines, with Werner and Hakim Ziyech lined up against the opposition center-backs.
The Chelsea backline was solid and composed – countered the fluent forwards of Liverpool and won the aerial battle with enough authority.
It was focused teamwork from the midfielders and wing-backs, but Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, and Antonio Rudiger put forth a collective and complete display at the back.
Christensen, in particular, was solid at the heart of the defence, finishing the game with over 93% accurate passes and a total of six interceptions.
Again, the interactive play between Jorginho, Kovacic, and Kante always helped the Blues to dominate at the center of the park.
Tuchel demanded speed when he chose his starting XI. With Kante and Kovacic, there was a lot of composure in possession and potent ball-carrying ability to break rigid midfield setups. Jorghinho's quick-thinking and first-time passes to Kante or into Werner's path epitomized the idea of Tuchel.
It was a great display by the Blues under Tuchel, but a lot to think for Klopp, whose team is falling apart and despite showing the intent to fight and restore pride, they tend to miss the sharpness of the past. The whole team is under pressure and with Ozan Kabak set to miss the action against Fulham next week, Klopp is left pondering about new options rather than avoiding yet another defeat.
Note: This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer as CSdesk on 05/03/2021 Chelsea fly, Liverpool cry
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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