Liverpool were left frustrated by a 10-man Chelsea, failing to find the all-important winner to ensure it was a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Premier League (3), Anfield
August 28, 2021
Goals: Salah (pen) 45+5’; Havertz 22’
It was straight back to Anfield for Liverpool on what was the final game before the international break, with Chelsea the visitors to pit two undefeated teams against one another.
And it would remain that way come full time, with neither team able to find the decisive goal that would seal all three points.
They initially went in the favour of Chelsea with Kai Havertz’s glancing header, only for chaos in the box at the cusp of half-time to see Mohamed Salah level the scores from the spot.
Reece James had been given his marching orders and it ensured the visitors had to play the second half with 10-men, but the Reds could not find a way to goal in a frustrating 45 minutes.
Here’s how Reds supporters reacted to the draw on Twitter and Facebook.
Felt like 2 points dropped with frustration over a blunt attack…
Generally poor Liverpool performance. Didn’t shift in rhythm fast enough to take apart a 10-man side who were quickly parking. That point will feel like a bitter one. Elliott again very distinguished. #LFCdigest
— Danny Gallagher (@Danny7Gallagher) August 28, 2021
That was a defensive masterclass by them. They blunted everything we gave. Bit worrying how ineffective we were in the final third.
— LFCZA ?? (@LFCZA) August 28, 2021
Full time 1-1. #LFC getting a point that feels like two dropped in the circumstances, #CFC with the one they played for with 10 men. Would have maybe brought Tsimikas on earlier myself, and Thiago – meanwhile Elliott is growing into some player for the Reds.
— Jim Boardman (@JimBoardman) August 28, 2021
Obviously removing Firmino earlier than planned changed it, but – even allowing for how well-coached Chelsea are – you do wonder if that's the sort of scenario that kind of proves Liverpool could do with one more high-calibre attacking option.
— Rory Smith (@RorySmith) August 28, 2021
https://twitter.com/Chris78Williams/status/1431685211327189002?s=20
Frustrating. Feels very much like two points dropped. pic.twitter.com/7LrJ9lRXrj
— Keifer MacDonald (@KeiferMacD) August 28, 2021
About 25 minutes of how to play against 10 men. Then about 25 minutes of how not playing against 10 men.
— Jimmy (@EntireDesign_) August 28, 2021
Would’ve been relatively happy with a point before the game, but feels like 2 points dropped now. Chance not taken.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) August 28, 2021
Chelsea were due their plaudits though…
Disappointing not to win with the extra man, but rule number one is don't lose to your title rivals.
Chelsea outstanding with 10 men and fully deserving of a point. Liverpool will improve as they get more sharpness.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) August 28, 2021
2 points dropped, but 2 points to a very good side under a very good manager. Weird one.
— Ben Kelly (@bkelly776) August 28, 2021
Probably won’t play a team that good defensively until they turn up next. Sometimes you’re allowed to just say ‘good them’.
— Phil Blundell (@PhilBlundell) August 28, 2021
Chelsea are some team though. Kante and Jorgjnho outstanding
— Dan Kennett (@DanKennett) August 28, 2021
“Grudgingly admit that was a 45min masterclass in defending with 10.”
– Allan Fernandez on Facebook.
Chelsea fucking love defending. Live off it. Reminds me of Benitez’s first Liverpool sides
— nate (@natefc) August 28, 2021
But Elliott remained a standout…
Harvey is running his nuts off here
I heard Mo was working with him in the gym but he seems like he’s been drinking Ribena with Milner all summer
— SimonBrundish (@SimonBrundish) August 28, 2021
Elliott's stamina levels are good. He's still more energetic than most of players. Been very good.
— Red (@TaintlessRed) August 28, 2021
https://twitter.com/MortalArtistry/status/1431682330926723077
Harvey Elliott ??
Holding his own, looks so comfortable in a game of this size. Neat, tidy, confident, composed and they was he interchanges positions with Salah could cause serious damage in time down that right hand side.
— MSB Woolton Lille (@MSBLILLE) August 28, 2021
He didn't take the game by the scruff of the neck, but Elliott didn't look out of place against the European champions. I'd play Thiago next, but he was decent
— John O'Sullivan (@NotoriousJOS) August 28, 2021
On way home from Anfield. All a bit frustrating in the end – Liverpool too slow & predictable. On the bright side, another excellent display by Harvey Elliott. He’s got it, no doubt, and as I said last week, that right-side partnership with Mo Salah has potential to be deadly.
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) August 28, 2021
And there were also words for Liverpool’s defence…
Alot of talk all week how Virgil Van Dijk would cope and perhaps struggle with Lukaku. Well that was put to bed anyways.
— Jonathan Higgins (@Jhiggins3) August 28, 2021
A bit disappointed not to win with the extra man but my priority beforehand was not to lose. I didn't think we were great today, particularly in midfield and plenty for Klopp to work on. Matip, VVD and Jota were good tho #lfc
— Dan Kennett (@DanKennett) August 28, 2021
All the talk of VVD vs Lukaku but Matip had him in his back pocket like last time
— Dinesh Kumar (@DHardayal) August 28, 2021
Trent Alexander-Arnold is the absolute business.
— Ben Webb (@BenWebbLFC) August 28, 2021
Virgil van Dijk vs. Chelsea
92% Pass accuracy
3/7 Accurate long passes
1/3 Shots on target
4/4 Ground duels won
3/3 Aerial duels wonThe idea that van Dijk isn't still the best in the business is laughable. That's all. pic.twitter.com/Somr2CrlEw
— The Tactical Times (@Tactical_Times) August 28, 2021
Let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments section.
Fan Comments