It was another frustrating Anfield afternoon as the Reds were held by an out-of-form Chelsea. Liverpool fans' boos at full-time told their own story as the scrutiny on Arne Slot increases
14:26, 09 May 2026Updated 14:49, 09 May 2026
Rio Ngumoha on the ball
Rio NGumoha was Liverpool's star performer against Chelsea
Liverpool was held 1-1 by Chelsea in its penultimate Premier League home match of the season, in another frustrating performance from Arne Slot's side.
Ryan Gravenberch had handed the Reds an early lead when he curled a superb shot beyond Filip Jorgensen, but after a poor start, Chelsea gained a foothold in the game midway through the first half. Wesley Fofana got Liverpool back on level terms after tapping in a free-kick.
The second half was more evenly fought between the sides, but the howls of frustration from the Kop as Rio Nguomha was replaced, and then again at full-time told their own story, as the Reds failed to kill off a side that had lost six in a row prior to Saturday.
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Winners
Nguomha was the Reds' star performer at Anfield, setting up Gravenberch's goal and providing a constant threat down the left flank. Bournemouth is another big winner from Saturday's game, as it remains in the hunt for a Champions League place still.
Losers
Arne Slot's decision to replace Ngumoha was booed by the home supporters, in a new low for the Liverpool boss. Florian Wirtz also missed the game altogether through illness.
Arne Slot and Rio Ngumoha
Arne Slot's decision to replace Rio Ngumoha was booed on Saturday at Anfield
Player ratings
Giorgi Mamardashvili (7). Made important first-half saves to deny Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez. The goalkeeper's kicking was again an issue, and his sloppy clearance led to Fofana's equalizer.
Curtis Jones (6). Chelsea had some joy down its left as Jones looked less defensively solid than in recent weeks. The academy graduate exerted more control in the second period and played some several forward passes to launch counter-attacks. He also saw a goal disallowed for offiside.
Ibrahima Konate (6). Infuriated the home fans at times with a perceived ponderous approach in possession. The defender did make some important defensive contributions, however, and appeared to be replaced with a knock late on.
Virgil van Dijk (5). Looked nervy at times during the first half and didn't deal well with a cross into the box for Cole Palmer's disallowed goal at the start of the second period. He saw header strike the bar in latter stages as the Reds searched for a way back into proceedings.
Milos Kerkez (6). Started brightly, with several penetrative runs down the left, but that lessened as the game went on. He was solid defensively, with Chelsea getting little joy down it's right.
Ryan Gravenberch (7). Scored a sublime opening goal and, like a few in red, started excellently and then saw that impact wane as the first period continued. He did produce several trademark midfield driving runs, but could not help Liverpool retake the lead.
Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on May 09, 2026 in Liverpool, England
Ryan Gravenberch celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister (6). Flew into several big tackles throughout the game, but struggled to regain possession during Chelsea's period of dominance.
Dominik Szoboszlai (7). The driving force in midfield. The Hungarian helped the Reds establish an early dominance and looked to repeatedly play defense-splitting passes in behind the back four. His cross set up Jones' disallowed goal early in the second half and he tested Filip Jorgensen with a powerful shot minutes later. Szoboszlai also hit the Chelsea post with a powerful strike.
Jeremie Frimpong (5). Had little impact on proceedings in the first half, but played a more significant role after the break. He played a part in chances for Jones and Szoboszlai, although the winger also failed to track Cucurella for what proved to be a disallowed goal.
Cody Gakpo (5). Another who had limited involvement in Liverpool's attacking moves. The forward did head on for Jones' disallowed goal, but was in an offside position. That the striker was replaced late on as Liverpool searched for a winner was telling.
Rio Ngumoha (8). Liverpool's standout performer. Up against his former side, Ngumoha caused the Chelsea left flank continuous headaches with his darts inside, one of which resulted in the assist for Gravenberch's opener. In just his third-ever Premier League start, this was a real reminder of the teenager's quality. Slot's decision to replace him in the 66th minute was met with boos by the home fans.
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool faces Cole Palmer of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield on May 9, 2026 in Liverpool, England
Rio Ngumoha was handed just his third Premier League start against Chelsea(Image: Getty Images)
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Substitutes
Alexander Isak (5). Had limited impact, other than a cross into the box which forced a panicked Chelsea clearance.
Joe Gomez (6). Looked solid on the ball and didn't make any mistakes after his introduction.
Federico Chiesa (5). Another attacker who didn't impress after coming off the bench. he fluffed a shot and didn't contribute to Liverpool's attacks.