Chelsea welcomed the defending champions Liverpool to their home at Stamford Bridge in West London last evening, in a Match Day 7 fixture of the EPL 25-26.
Liverpool, without Alisson Becker, were looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat while Chelsea, fresh from their scrappy win against Benfica in the Champions League, were looking to move up the EPL table.
Ecuadorian Moises Caicedo struck a rocket of a right footer from well outside the box to give Chelsea the lead in the 14th minute. One of the finest goals this season, the shot from Caicedo was nothing short of imperious. Mac Allister let Caicedo get away, and he made Liverpool pay.
Chelsea was by far the better side in the first half. Liverpool were not only slow in the midfield but also deliberately tried to slow down the game instead of showing more intent in the field. Ibrahima Konate wasted precious seconds too often, which at times allowed Chelsea to regroup. Liverpool thus found it hard to break down the Blues’ defences. Connor Bradley didn’t have a great game either, and Szoboszlai appeared unsettled.
The second half was much better for Liverpool with the arrival of Florian Wirtz and Andy Robertson, who, in particular, fuelled some desperation in Liverpool. Salah came close to scoring twice but sprayed the shot aimlessly. Salah, for once, was surprisingly wasteful. However, Cody Gakpo, who did a lot of running, scored with a fine cross from Salah and a deft touch from Alexander Isak. Gakpo reached the ball in front of the goal and helped it into the net in the 63rd minute.
Liverpool were playing much better, and Curtis Jones, too, had a fair chance, but went abegging. Chelsea, on the other hand, introduced quick changes to have fresh legs on the field. The momentum shifted immediately with the hosts pushing hard for a winner as Liverpool sat back to defend.
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Garnacho, whom I rate highly, particularly for his speed and ball skills, made a good run from the left and passed over to Cucurella, who was overlapping him. The Spanish defender sent a brilliant cross for a rushing young Estevao. The 18-year-old Brazilian and a future star in the making with acres of space, sent the ball into the net past the hapless Mamardashvili. It was the 95th minute, and Chelsea had buried the match for good. Maresca, Chelsea’s coach, no wonder, ran a mile to embrace Estevao. It was indeed a goal to remember.
Liverpool had no chance to stage a comeback and had conceded a late goal in two of their last three games. The defending champions had suffered their third straight loss and fallen from their top perch, with Arsenal taking their place.
To be fair, Chelsea were indeed the better side and deserved to win. Liverpool were average in defence and below par in attack, and at times looked listless and off colour. Arne Slot needs to infuse energy and intent in his team, and the big stars also need to get going. At the moment, Liverpool need to get their act together.
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