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Liverpool faced off against Chelsea in Matchday 34 of the Premier League. This game was a deciding factor in the title race between Liverpool and Manchester City. Since Manchester City had already won their Crystal Palace game before this one, Liverpool had the added weight on their shoulders to get the job done.
Liverpool, though, hadn't won any of the last 6 home games against Chelsea in the Premier League. But also, they were unbeaten at Anfield for 37 consecutive games. Liverpool's starting 11 included Naby Keita in the midfield and Fabinho in a defensive midfield role, apart from the usual starters. Chelsea dropped Eden Hazard as a false-9, as Hudson-Odoi and Willian flanked him, with Emerson and Azpilicueta as the fullbacks.
Liverpool opened the scoring in the 51st minute through Sadio Mane's header. They doubled the lead up with Mohamed Salah's goal. Chelsea came close to equalizing on certain occasions but they didn't make the most of any chance. Liverpool, thus, still has a two-point lead on top of the table, over Manchester City, who have a game in hand against the Spurs.
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Let's look at three reasons why Liverpool won the game.
#3 Wasteful Chelsea up front
Not taking anything away from the solid defense of Liverpool, but they were beaten. They were beaten by Chelsea on more than one occasion. Eden Hazard was a constant threat looming forward. Chelsea had the chance to take the lead on the break on a lot of opportunities, but they just didn't.
There was a golden chance for Willian on the counter-attack, with Hazard supporting him, and he also managed to beat van Dijk, but he fluffed the finish. It was a very routine finish given the space that he had at disposal, by his standards. Ruben Loftus Cheek had an opportunity on the counter-attack but he took too much time, thus the Liverpool defense was already back in position.
The second half provided two great opportunities for Hazard. The Belgian first came agonizingly close to getting a goal back as his shot hit the woodwork. He then had another chance but this time Alisson Becker was in the way. Chelsea's wasteful finishing was a major factor in Liverpool's win.
#2 Klopp gets his midfield balance astute
Jurgen Klopp has been doing hit and trials with his midfield in recent weeks. Yesterday, it just clicked and all the pieces fell into the right place. Fabinho as a defensive midfielder, Keita as a ball carrier, Henderson in his number eight role, this was Klopp's chosen three. As Henderson and Keita strode forward to join the attack, Fabinho held back. And did he do a great job as a controller? Four tackles, 78/84 passes, 94 touches, not to mention a brilliant tackle on Hazard as he surged forward in the 10th minute.
This is the third game in a row that Henderson has been involved in a goal. There was his goal against Southampton, then the pass to Alexander-Arnold which set up Firmino against Porto and then yesterday. From the onset of the second half, Henderson was pushing up, trying to get into the box, which ultimately culminated in a brilliant assist for Mane.
Hats off to Naby Keita as well. In the first half, he was in space and willing to take on Chelsea's defense. After Liverpool went two goals up, he slowed the pace of the game down, the tempo of the game on his feet. He reminds of a certain Xavi Hernandez when we talk about him. Klopp's midfield ticked all the boxes required from good defensive solidity to great attacking contribution. In stark contrast, their counterparts did not have a good game.
#1 The heart of Liverpool and the touch of a pharaoh
Over to you, Liverpool. Manchester City have already put Crystal Palace out of their misery before proceedings began at the Anfield. Liverpool had the added pressure but they were not even remotely close to nervous. The Reds were in complete control of the game barring the immediate barrage from Eden Hazard after they went two goals ahead.
The Kop kept their team in it for the entirety of the game, be it when Chelsea counter-attacked, when their captain strode forward, or when their forwards came close. The 12th man was well and truly into the game and the heart of the players cannot be questioned. They still have the hunger and drive to win the Premier League with only four games remaining. If you still have questions about their passion, just look at Henderson, look at Fabinho sliding down to prevent Hazard, look at Alisson's reflexes to deny the Belgian. The commitment from the midfield, the support from the defense, the will of the forwards, everything points towards a team possessed to win the title.
Sadio Mane's header gave the Reds a lead in the 51st minute. Two minutes later, a moment of sheer brilliance, a touch of the Pharaoh as the Egyptian King struck. From outside the box, a left-footed curler flew past the reach of the outstretched Kepa Arrizabalaga. Mo Salah had done it again. The Kop burst into celebrations as the ball hit the net. The title race is still well and truly on. Now we will say the same thing that they told us yesterday. Over to you, Manchester City.
