#2 Hazard neutralised while Costa misses crucial penalty
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Eden Hazard was probably one of the most potent threats Liverpool would have to deal with on the pitch. The Belgian fashions moves out of thin air and makes things happen for the Blues.
However, on this occasion, he was kept well in check by Nathaniel Clyne, ably supported by Henderson and the rest of the defence. Hazard was afforded very little time on the ball and was closed down effectively enough to neutralise his threat.
Diego Costa won a penalty about 10 minutes before the end of regular time, when Joel Matip was adjudged to have brought down the striker. Although Matip got a nudge of the ball, there was enough contact to warrant a spot kick and Mark Clattenburg did not err.
With Hazard off the pitch, Costa stepped up to take the penalty himself but his kick was saved. While his shot was powerful, he could have done better with the placement – a successful one would have all but guaranteed three points for the Blues and taken the wind out of Liverpool’s sails. Needless to say, the forward was disappointed with himself and his morose face said it all.
