Liverpool appear to be drifting out of the Champions League places as Arne Slot's team endured a European setback against Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime. Matters had begun promisingly for the Reds, with Ryan Gravenberch's exquisite strike curling beyond an outstretched Filip Jorgensen to hand Liverpool the advantage. And that advantage could easily have been extended by Virgil van Dijk.
Yet the Dutchman blazed his effort over the crossbar, after the ball fortuitously dropped to him inside the six-yard box. Though a lapse in concentration permitted Chelsea a route back into the contest as Enzo Fernandez's driven cross evaded everybody and found its way into the far corner of the Reds' net.
The leveller had been brewing for Chelsea as it proved the familiar tale for Liverpool - their midfield appeared to virtually disappear as the Blues enjoyed the run of Anfield.
Slot's men could scarcely trouble Chelsea, who were gliding through the Liverpool rearguard to fashion opportunity after opportunity. With the interval whistle mercifully providing some measure of respite.
Cole Palmer believed he had edged Chelsea in front during the second half, but an offside was spotted in the build-up - Cody Gakpo encountered the identical outcome shortly afterwards.
Liverpool were gradually rediscovering their rhythm, primarily courtesy of their emerging talent Rio Ngumoha. Though Slot's choice to withdraw the youngster was greeted by jeers from the Anfield faithful.
Liverpool appeared to lose their cutting edge the moment Ngumoha was substituted — and Chelsea began to find their footing once more.
The Blues were adamant they deserved a penalty when Joao Pedro was felled by Jeremie Frimpong, but VAR ruled that Pedro had instigated the contact with the full-back.
Slot's men currently occupy fourth place in the Premier League, but could be displaced by Aston Villa should they overcome already-relegated Burnley on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, Bournemouth, sitting sixth, have the opportunity to close the gap to five points.
The Cherries take to the pitch at 3pm against Fulham — qualifying for the Champions League remains a tall order, but a victory could heap unnecessary pressure on Slot's side as the season enters its final stages.