Liverpool have still to secure Champions League qualification as they were held to a 1-1 draw against ailing Chelsea at Anfield.
Ryan Gravenberch put the Reds ahead in just the sixth minute but Chelsea responded well and equalised through Enzo Fernandez. And while Arne Slot’s side hit the woodwork on two occasions in the second period, they dropped points against a Chelsea team that had lost their previous six Premier League matches - with the head coach remaining under pressure.
Liverpool made a bright start and in the sixth minute, they broke the deadlock. Rio Ngumoha did well to occupy a few Chelsea defenders and cut a ball back for Gravenberch, who found the back of the net from the edge of the box.
The Reds almost doubled their advantage four minutes later when Virgil van Dijk was left completely free from the second phase of a set-piece yet steered a shot ide.
But as the first half wore on, Chelsea started to probe. Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili had to made a good save from Marc Curcurella in the 28th minute. But on 35 minutes, Mamardashvili - returning from injury - was left stranded when Enzo Fernandez’s free-kick avoided contact from those queuing up inside the box and found the far corner.
Fernandez should have put the visitors ahead moments later but he beat Liverpool’s offside trap but Mamardashvili was off his line to thwart the Chelsea captain.
Liverpool were given a huge reprieve early in the second half when Cole Palmer thought he’d put Chelsea ahead after Mamardashvili had to keep out Van Dijk’s inadvertent clearance towards his own goal. A VAR review deemed that Joao Pedro had strayed offside in the build-up.
On 58 minutes, the Reds had a goal of their own chalked off through Curtis Jones as Cody Gakpo failed to beat Chelsea’s offside trap.
Liverpool did start to take control but struggled to find a way through, with Dominik Szoboszlai crashing an effort against the post and Van Dijk crashing a header off the crossbar.
But the encounter fizzled out , with smatterings of boos coming from the crowd at full-time.
Made two big saves in the first half to keep Liverpool level and probably couldn't do anything about Fernandez's goal. Not much to do after the break.
1. Giorgi Mamardashvili - 7
Made two big saves in the first half to keep Liverpool level and probably couldn't do anything about Fernandez's goal. Not much to do after the break. | Getty Images
Constantly targeted by Chelsea in the first half. Played more of an inverted role after the break and thought he'd restored the lead. Had a go.
2. Curtis Jones -6
Constantly targeted by Chelsea in the first half. Played more of an inverted role after the break and thought he'd restored the lead. Had a go. | Getty Images
Pondered on the ball too much at times in the first half and caught out a couple of times. Subbed in the 77th minute.
3. Ibrahima Konate - 5
Pondered on the ball too much at times in the first half and caught out a couple of times. Subbed in the 77th minute. | Getty Images
Made some important interceptions in the first half. Unlucky to cash a header against the crossbar.
4. Virgil van Dijk - 6
Made some important interceptions in the first half. Unlucky to cash a header against the crossbar. | AFP via Getty Images