Cody Gakpo produced a ghost-like performance in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea, but plenty of others also struggled.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Premier League (36) | Anfield
May 9, 2026
Goals: Gravenberch 6′; Fernandez 35′
Giorgi Mamardashvili – 6 (out of 10)
Back in the side after injury, Mamardashvili made good saves to deny Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez.
He couldn’t do anything about Fernandez’s equaliser, and in fairness, did little wrong.
Curtis Jones – 5
This was a mixed bag from Jones, who looked every bit a player in an auxiliary right-back role at times.
Some clever threaded passes broke the lines, but defensively, he was susceptible, allowing Cucurella to get in time and time again.
Found the net with a header in front of the Kop, but Gakpo was offside beforehand.
Ibrahima Konate – 5
Konate struggled with Jones next to him, as he tried to deal with the clever Joao Pedro and also Cucurella getting in behind.
Won two out of three ground and aerial duels apiece and was solid.
Virgil van Dijk – 5
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. The game ended 1-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Van Dijk was a noticeable figure in the early exchanges, with one brave headed clearance right in front of goal crucial.
He should have scored but fired over, too, and also hit the bar with a bullet header late on.
Not great for Cole Palmer’s goal that was ruled out by VAR.
Milos Kerkez – 5
There was plenty of purpose to Kerkez to begin with, as the left-back drove forward, prior to Liverpool needlessly sitting back.
But his distribution was consistently lacking all afternoon in the final third, as he failed to add to his one Premier League assist this season.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
There wasn’t much to love about Liverpool’s opening 45 minutes, but Gravenberch’s stunner lit up Anfield to give the Reds the lead.
There were typical moments of class in the midfield, but he lost Cucurella, with Mamardashvili sprinting out to save his blushes.
The best of a bad bunch.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister is challenged by Chelsea's Andrey Santos (R) during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Once again, this was a long way from the Mac Allister who excelled so much in his first two seasons at Liverpool.
His lack of pace allowed Palmer to ghost past him at one point, and in possession, there was a lack of guile.
You can never fault Macca’s effort levels – he made one vital tackle inside the box – but it’s sad to see his influence so lacking.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 5
For a while, this was one of Szoboszlai’s quietest performances of the season, and it led to him cutting a frustrated figure.
He tried to lead the press, often without the help of teammates, and his use of the ball wasn’t up to scratch, twice failing to find Jeremie Frimpong with easy passes.
Came alive more after the interval, testing Filip Jorgensen with a stinging drive and then hitting the post from distance.
Jeremie Frimpong – 4
Frimpong is NOT a right winger – simple as that.
The Dutchman had little to no influence in the first half, not even using his pace to good effect, and his crossing was completely aimless.
Poked a tame effort on target after the break, but looks a horribly one-dimensional player.
Rio Ngumoha – 6
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha is greeted by head coach Arne Slot (R) and first assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff (L) as he is substituted off during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Ngumoha felt like the only player capable of beating a man for Liverpool, and he made a lively start, assisting Gravenberch for his goal.
His influence waned as the Reds sat back, though, which isn’t his fault at all.
The fans fumed at Arne Slot‘s decision to substitute him in the 66th minute, and rightly so.
Cody Gakpo – 3
Has there been a more anonymous forward display from a Liverpool player in years?
Incredibly, Gakpo only had his first touch in the 41st minute and his only contribution up until that point was the foul that led to Chelsea’s goal.
Even needlessly strayed offside when teeing up Jones to head home in the second half, on a wretched afternoon.
Overall Team Performance – 4
Substitutes
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha is replaced by substitute Alexander Isak (L) during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Alexander Isak (on for Ngumoha, 66′) – 4
Looked short of match sharpness and didn’t show much at all.
Joe Gomez (on for Konate, 77′) – 5
Failed to meet a late corner – that was about it.
Federico Chiesa (on for Gakpo, 77′) – 5
Ran around, made fouls, looked again like someone out of his depth.
Subs not used: Woodman, Ndiaye, Robertson, Nyoni, Morrison, Wright
Arne Slot – 3
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
After taking an apparent dig at Mohamed Salah in Friday’s press conference, the pressure was on Slot to deliver a positive result.
He did not.
It was a bright start by Liverpool, but Slot then unfathomably went defensive against a team that had lost six Premier League games in a row.
The crowd were visibly angry at times, not least when Ngumoha was brought off, in what was a baffling decision.
Boos rung around Anfield at the final whistle – you have to wonder if a change in the dugout is a must more than a possibility at this point.