EPL: Liverpool, Chelsea Fire Blanks in Drab Anfield Encounter
After losing their last game 0-3 away at Brighton, Liverpool, currently occupying 8th place were hoping to get all three points against the visiting Chelsea and help their course for an European qualification spot.
Liverpool and Chelsea settled for a goalless draw in an uninspiring English Premier League Saturday afternoon early kickoff at Anfield.
After losing their last game 0-3 away at Brighton, Liverpool, currently occupying 8th place were hoping to get all three points against the visiting Chelsea and help their course for an European qualification spot.
The game, which can be described as a somewhat drab one, failed to produce any goal or expected spark between two traditional big sides despite their poor forms this season, leaving much to be desired for the fans.
Both teams ravaged by injuries, struggled to seize control of the game and lacked ideas in the final third. Chelsea however, created the better chances from set-pieces and looked the most likely to score.
The visitors thought they had taken the lead early in the 3rd minute but the goal was chalked off for offside after a VAR check. Thiago Silva’s initial effort from a corner had struck the post, with Kai Havertz reacting quickest to the rebound and slotting home from close range.
Chelsea newest defensive addition, Benoit Badiashile came close with a low header from a freekick on the half hour mark, but Alisson Becker was equal to the task with a good save.
The one-time dominant and all action Jurgen Klopp side with a shaky defensive showing without any goal threat started the second half with a better attacking intent, but still could not find a breakthrough, as lethargy soon set in.
The Red’s latest signing, Cody Gakpo who is yet to find the net since moving from PSV continues to struggle in front of goal before being substituted in the 82nd minute for Curtis Jones.
Chelsea debutant, Mykhaylo Mudryk came close to opening the scoring in the
64th minute, dazzling his way out of a tight angle before firing his shot to the side net. He then failed to control a Hakim Ziyech cross at the far post with just the goalkeeper to beat seven minutes later.
Carney Chukwuemeka also could not convert an opportunity that came begging after coming on, as he went tumbling after loosing his footing, following a one-two pass between him and Mudryk.
The result means Graham Potter’s team are also miles away from making Europe next season, as they remain 10th on the table with 29 points from 20 games.
