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Liverpool won't necessarily be happy with their performance that came against a 10-man Chelsea. Unlike the Londoners who defeated Crystal Palace and Arsenal in their opening two fixtures, Liverpool, having faced Norwich and Burnley, experienced their first real test out there at Anfield last evening.
Everything was working as per Thomas Tuchel's plans and they even found the lead to stun Anfield in the 21st minute itself. Steering the tone of the game and bossing the Reds in their own backyard, Chelsea dominated Liverpool both on the pitch and on psychological levels.
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Things took a surprising turn right before half-time as Chelsea had to see their midfielder, Reece James, get a red card and hand Liverpool a penalty in the process. Although it looked unintentional, the VAR check revealed Reece James' arm blocking a potential Mane goal after a mix-up in the box following a Liverpool corner.
Being a man down put Chelsea on the back-foot and the entire team simmered down their attack to take up a defensive role. Tuchel was seen punching the air when the referee blew the final whistle, as he knows, avoiding a loss at Anfield with 10 men is a victory in itself.
On the other hand, Liverpool kept on trying to hurt the opposition and dominated the second half.
Let's take a look at Liverpool's top five players from GW 3 of the Premier League.
#5 Joel Matip
The Liverpool centre-back was involved in each of his side's crucial moments that took place against Chelsea.
From heading the ball in which led to Reece James handball to having hit the woodwork once, Joel Matip often found himself in the right place at the right time. The stopper was tested by Lukaku in numerous instances but with the help of van Dijk, Matip could deny the Belgian from causing any damage.
He made a crucial block by putting his body in front of Lukaku's volley that could've found the net beyond an unprepared Alisson.
#4 Mohamed Salah
Showing nerves of steel, Salah managed to slot in another fine goal from the spot. The dramatic event that led to Reece James' sending off awarded Liverpool an opportunity to equalize.
Mohamed Salah's goal helped the Merseysiders bounce back to challenge the visitors. Even though they didn't succeed in edging past Chelsea who were reduced to 10 men, Liverpool undoubtedly dominated the second half.
Putting on quite a duel with Marcos Alonso, the Egyptian was seen frustrated after coming close to glory on multiple occasions.
#3 Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk acted as Liverpool's stronghold throughout the game. The Dutchman, who faced his first strong opponent after a lengthy break, was tested to the limit.
Constantly aiding his fellow centre-back Joel Matip in holding back a physically strong Lukaku, Virgil van Dijk's stature came to his rescue. Liverpool loyals celebrated him successfully managing to shoulder down Lukaku, who was running towards the goal dangerously.
Switching between the responsibility of guiding the backline, making clearances and moving up the pitch, van Dijk tested Edouard Mendy from long-distance. Accumulating a pass success rate of 91%, Virgil van Dijk managed to bag three attempts in search of a goal.
#2 Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold adds depth to the Liverpool attack. Him moving up the flank meant more freedom of movement for Harvey Elliott and Mohamed Salah.
Having to face Marcos Alonso on the right side of the pitch, the young Liverpool wing-back didn't emerge as successful as he expected against the experienced Spaniard. Despite that, Trent Alexander-Arnold created the most chances (5) in the game.
In the early stages of the game, the 22-year-old beautifully sent the ball flying from the midline to find Henderson. However, the LFC captain failed to hit the target despite a pin-point pass from his right back.
Thanks to his center-backs van Dijk and Matip, who held the fort comfortably, Alexander-Arnold was able to don the role of an attacker in the second half of the game.
#1 Harvey Elliott
Arguably the best player in the red jersey last evening, Harvey Elliott put on a show for the home fans.
A fine performance against Burnley urged Liverpool manager Klopp to deploy Elliott in the center of the park once again. Harvey Elliott ran over Chelsea's defense in the first fifteen minutes of the game. Having been constantly on the move, he was the key link between Salah, Fabinho and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The teenager made some sharp runs into the box and also had his fair share of attempts that left Edouard Mendy fully stretched. Showing supreme strength and stamina in every second of the game, Klopp decided to keep the 18-year-old on the pitch until the final whistle.
If it wasn't for the Chelsea goalkeeper, who happened to be on his best day, Harvey Elliott would have found the net at least twice.
Liverpool sit third in the league table with 7 points and a GD of 5, the same as first-placed West Ham and second-placed Chelsea.
