Ian Doyle with the Liverpool player ratings and scores from the Premier League clash against Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday afternoon
Cody Gakpo scored just 5/10 (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo scored just 5/10 (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Liverpool still have work to do to secure Champions League qualification after they were held to a tedious Premier League draw at home to Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime. In another exceptionally low quality encounter, Ryan Gravenberch's brilliant early opener was not in keeping with a game that saw Enzo Fernandez curl an intended cross from a free-kick in off the post shortly before half-time to equalise.
The result means Arne Slot's side still need three points from their final two games to be mathematically sure of a place in the top five.
The ECHO was in attendance at Anfield and here we run the rule over the performances of the Liverpool players.
Giorgi Mamardashvili 7
Good stops from Cucurella and Fernandez first half as Liverpool opted not to defend for a while. Less to do second half but kicking needs improvement.
Curtis Jones 6
Not given much chance to get forward first half as Liverpool strangely sat back after going ahead, but better second half when popping up in variety of positions.
Ibrahima Konate 5
Played some of his team-mates into difficult positions first half with some mindless passing and too much of defending was on the edge. Injured and subbed.
Virgil van Dijk 6
A couple of important interventions before half-time as the rest of the Liverpool team flapped about. Kept at it second half.
Milos Kerkez 6
Connection with Ngumoha started well before becoming preoccupied with defending to mixed reward. Up and down after interval.
Ryan Gravenberch 6
Took his goal superbly and a couple of good touches in midfield but too regularly bypassed by Chelsea engine room until getting to grips in better second half.
Alexis Mac Allister 5
No real huge errors but so slow in thinking and execution and couldn't close down opposing midfield during torrid spell up to half-time before settling again. Booked.
Jeremie Frimpong 5
Overlooked by team-mates for much of first half and got into some decent positions after that but deliveries lacked quality.
Dominik Szoboszlai 6
Plenty of endeavour but began to lose his way a bit in the number 10 role before pressing better second half and had one shot well saved and saw another hit the post.
Rio Ngumoha 7
Caused Gusto problems with pace and assisted opener but needed a bit more help from his senior colleagues. Quieter after half-time. Subbed.
Cody Gakpo 5
Difficult to remember any meaningful contribution before break although would have benefited from actually being given any service. More involved later on. Subbed.
Alexander Isak (for Ngumoha 67) 6
Looked a little more lively but no real openings.
Joe Gomez (for Konate 77) 6
Slotted in at centre-back. Booked.
Federico Chiesa (for Gakpo 77) 6
Added a bit of energy to the left flank.
Subs: Woodman, Gomez, Isak, Chiesa, Robertson, Nyoni, Morrison, Ndiaye, Wright.