3 reasons why Liverpool managed a draw against Chelsea

Liverpool's undefeated streak looked set to come to an end at Stamford Bridge until Daniel Sturridge curled home a 25-yard equaliser to snatch a point for Jurgen Klopp's men in the 89th minute.

While they struggled to cope with some of Chelsea's intricate midfield play and the brilliance of Eden Hazard, the Reds created a few clear-cut chances of their own — 1.5 xG, according to Michael Caley's expected goals model — and deserved a result on the balance of play. So, without any further ado, here are 3 reasons for Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

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#1 Alisson steps up

Alisson is very, very good

When the Anfield brain trust splashed out £66.8 million on Roma's number one, the consensus was that they were getting one of the five best shot-stoppers in the world. Keeping Ederson, a world-class custodian in his own right, out of the Brazil national team is no mean feat, and Alisson more than proved his worth at Stamford Bridge.

The 26-year-old had very little to do in his first six games for Liverpool, but he was more than up to the challenge when Chelsea knocked at the door. Alisson thwarted Willian from almost point-blank range in the first half before denying Eden Hazard, the hottest player in world football, a second on the hour mark.

If either Simon Mignolet or Loris Karius were in between the sticks for Liverpool, the Merseysiders may have been buried at Stamford Bridge.

#2 The lack of quality in midfield

Naby Keita has the potential to be one of the world's best midfielders

During his time in RB Leipzig, Naby Keita emerged as the best Bundesliga midfielder not named Thiago Alcantara. Modern football is largely predicated on verticality — winning the ball in advantageous positions and moving it towards goal before the unsettled defence can recover — and nobody does both these things better than Keita.

This is also why it is so puzzling that Klopp, who values these attributes more than any other modern manager, refuses to start the 23-year-old on a consistent basis. Even though they were part of last season's magical run to the Champions League final, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, and Georginio Wijnaldum remain uninspiring midfielders without a creative spark.

When matched-up against more technically-gifted players in Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho, Liverpool's midfield trio often appeared laboured and pedestrian. If the Reds want to push Manchester City for the Premier League title, they will need to integrate Keita into the starting line-up and cater to his numerous strengths.

#3 What's happened to Mohamed Salah?

Mohamed Salah just isn't as good as Eden Hazard, and it isn't all that close

In the 2016-17 season, Mohamed Salah just couldn't miss. The Egypt International notched a whopping 42 goals in all competitions and was rightfully one of the top three contenders for the Ballon d'Or. And while he's actually had more xG per minute this season, Salah just hasn't been able to score with the same consistency this season — 3 in all competitions.

It's hardly time for panic stations, but the reigning PFA Player of the Year's indifferent finishing form showed no signs of improving at Stamford Bridge. In the first half, Salah left former Roma team-mate Rudiger for dead with a sublime piece of skill but the resulting effort was closer to a throw-in than Kepa's goal. To make matters worse, the 26-year-old proceeded to miss an open net as his weak effort was cleared off the line.

With Liverpool growing desperate for an equaliser, Salah was hooked off for Xherdan Shaqiri. While it's too soon to call last season a fluke, it is evident that Salah just isn't as good as former Chelsea team-mate Eden Hazard — who is clearly the best player in the Premier League.