Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea: Blues Player Ratings as they succumb to second loss of PL campaign | Premier League 2024-25

Chelsea were unable to break a strong Liverpool defense as they suffered a 2-1 loss at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday, October 20. It also ended their seven-game unbeaten run across competitions.

Heading into the game, Arne Slot handed a surprise start to Curtis Jones, replacing Alexis Mac Allister in midfield, while Cody Gakpo started in attack. Chelsea, meanwhile, were missing Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana owing to suspension. However, the long-anticipated returns of Reece James and Romeo Lavia from injury happened as the pair started.

The two sides seemed to be evenly matched early on in the fixture but as time wore on, Chelsea looked to gain an edge. However, Liverpool were the ones to take the lead against the run of play. Mohamed Salah scored from the spot in the 29th minute after Levi Colwill was deemed to have fouled Jones in the box.

The visitors started the second half brightly and scored the equalizer through Nicolas Jackson. Moises Caicedo played the Senegalese striker in behind the defense and the latter beat the keeper at his near post to make it 1-1 in the 48th minute. However, the hosts restored their advantage just three minutes later. Salah picked out Jones with a brilliant pass and his calm finish made it 2-1.

Chelsea made a few attacking changes in search of an equaliser but Liverpool stood firm. The result sees the Reds regain the top spot in the table, while the Blues slipped to sixth. Here are the player ratings:

Chelsea Player Ratings

Robert Sanchez - 6/10

Some nervy moments in the back while coming close to conceding a penalty, he had an up-and-down game. He could have done better to prevent the second goal.

Reece James - 6.5/10

A decent cameo in his first appearance of the season as th Chelsea captain looked solid defensively while making some good passes as well.

Tosin Adarabioyo - 6/10

A cynical yellow card early on aside, Adarabioyo had a solid outing but was substituted off for Benoit Badiashile.

Levi Colwill - 5.5/10

An uncharacteristically awkward performance from the usually calm Colwill, conceding a penalty while having some difficulties dealing with Salah.

Malo Gusto - 6.5/10

Starting on the left of the defense, he was occupying a role higher up the pitch, looking to combine with Jadon Sancho. He switched back to his natural right side after James was taken off.

Moises Caicedo - 7/10

Despite the loss, it was a good performance from the Ecuadorian. He looked generally sharp on the ball and collected the assist for Chelsea's goal.

Romeo Lavia - 6.5/10

A cool presence on the ball and put in some good tackles without it in a decent cameo in his return from injury.

Noni Madueke - 6.5/10

He caused Robertson some moments of trouble with his direct dribbling down the right but was otherwise silent.

Cole Palmer - 5.5/10

A poor game by his standards, Palmer missed a good opportunity in the first half and was largely kept silent.

Jadon Sancho - 5/10

Sancho was disappointing in his first-half outing with an apparent unwillingness to take on Alexander-Arnold and contributed nothing going forward.

Nicolas Jackson - 7/10

He continued his goalscoring stats and now has five goals in his last seven Premier League games. Other than that, he seemed frustrated with the lack of quality at times from Chelsea.

Substitutes

Pedro Neto - 6.5/10

Played on both flanks and his pace caused some moments of trouble for Liverpool.

Renato Veiga - 5.5/10

A mediocre outing from the youngster who had difficulties dealing with Salah in his cameo.

Enzo Fernandez - 6/10

A largely silent outing for the Argentinian coming off the bench.

Benoit Badiashile - 6.5/10

Badiashile was involved in a duel with Nunez and came on top for the most part.

Christopher Nkunku - N/A

He came on late and did not play enough minutes to merit a rating.