A Tense Encounter at Anfield
There was a moment in the first half when Liverpool supporters revived a chant from the Anfield songbook, one that had been around for a couple of decades. They sang “Chelsea ain’t got no history,” but it was not enough to prevent the Blues from avoiding a club record of seven straight league defeats, which they had set back in 1952. While Calum McFarlane celebrated the achievement, it highlighted the struggles of Arne Slot’s team.
Ryan Gravenberch gave Liverpool the lead, and while Chelsea managed to secure a point after more than two months without one, it was due in part to Liverpool’s missteps. The match between these two clubs, known for their epic battles, ended in a draw that was filled with errors and lacked intensity. These are teams that have faced each other in Champions League semi-finals, yet now both seem to be missing out on European competition.
This game appeared to be a microcosm of their season: a strong start, followed by a struggle, and an outcome that may just be satisfactory. However, too much of the manner in which the game unfolded felt familiar, with Liverpool losing their way even before losing a lead. For the 18th time this season, they conceded from a set piece, albeit in a different way.
In the second half, Liverpool were frantic and incoherent, while in the first half, there was a lack of urgency and intensity. The Reds were too slow, appearing lethargic under the sunshine. Anfield was filled with tension, anxiety, and frustration. Slot had previously stated that finishing the campaign with three good results and performances would not be enough to silence the criticism, and this game proved that.
The manager acknowledged the dissatisfaction among fans, especially when Rio Ngumoha was substituted. There were loud boos, not so much because of the change but rather because of the introduction of Alexander Isak, who was largely anonymous. Slot admitted that he knew the reaction would follow, as the climate at the club is tense. “I knew the moment his number went up that would be the reaction,” he said. The boos continued, and more greeted the final whistle.
“This club should not be happy with a 1-1 against Chelsea,” said Slot. It was not. The circumstances included another makeshift team. When Liverpool spent £450m in the summer, the plan was not to field a front three including a full-back, Jeremie Frimpong, and a 17-year-old, Rio Ngumoha. In between them, Cody Gakpo completed the first 40 minutes without touching the ball. Florian Wirtz was absent, and Isak’s return was only as a substitute.
Liverpool looked short of scorers. Not for the first time, they got a spectacular strike from a midfielder, with Gravenberch curling in from 20 yards. A Chelsea team packed with defensive personnel did little to stop him. Filip Jorgensen, deputising for the concussed Robert Sanchez in goal, seemed to get his positioning wrong.
Chelsea extended their run without a clean sheet to 14 league games, their worst since 1991. For the ninth time this season, they conceded in the opening 10 minutes. Given the crisis enveloping the visitors, they seemed there for the taking. Liverpool did not take advantage. An unmarked Virgil van Dijk shot wide. But Liverpool surrendered the initiative as Chelsea discovered some resolve.
“I am probably being a bit biased; we could have won the game,” said McFarlane. It helped that he got his tactics right. Lacking wingers, the interim manager used Marc Cucurella on the left of midfield. “Cucurella is not a winger, though he told me he has played there before, but his movement off the ball is of a real high standard,” said McFarlane. It proved a real asset. The Spaniard provided drive, verve, and a goal threat. He drew the first save from a fit-again Giorgi Mamardashvili with a low drive. The goalkeeper prevented Fernandez from putting Chelsea ahead. But not from equalising.
Just Chelsea’s second goal in seven league games came when Fernandez’s low free kick evaded everyone, a motionless Mamardashvili included, to go in. Wesley Fofana nevertheless claimed it. “Everyone has told me that I touched the ball,” he said. Regardless of the scorer, Slot was unhappy. “Such a sloppy goal,” he said.
Each side found the net for a second time: Cole Palmer, after Cucurella was marginally offside, and Curtis Jones, when Gakpo had strayed beyond the Chelsea defence. Neither goal counted. Liverpool were twice inches from a winner. Dominik Szoboszlai powered a long-range shot against the foot of the near post. Van Dijk headed the Hungarian’s corner onto the bar. This, however, was not a day when Szoboszlai could rescue them from mediocrity.
Chelsea found a modicum of redemption, even if it invited questions as to why they have been so poor in other games. This was a reminder that they can turn up on the bigger occasions. Wretched against Nottingham Forest on Monday, they were far better here. There was almost an apologetic air as their players went to the fans at the final whistle. “This club needs to win games of football and we haven’t done that,” said McFarlane. Liverpool have not done it often enough, either.
