Liverpool v Chelsea player ratings
Willian’s late goal rescued a point for Chelsea against Liverpool. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Thibaut Courtois: 7
Had a major left-off when the ball drifted wide after he made a mess of trying to gather a cross from former Chelsea man Daniel Sturridge, but otherwise Courtois was calm and assured, commanding his area very well.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 9
Absolutely brilliant from the ever-dependable defender, who had his hands full with Liverpool’s attacking threat and rose to the challenge. He was solid throughout and the highlight of a terrific display was a heroic block to deny Sturridge.
Andreas Christensen: 8
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The Dane also did brilliantly at the back, sometimes under real pressure. He was always composed, particularly when left in tricky situations one-versus-one, and saved the day with a number of blocks and interceptions.
Gary Cahill: 7
Was caused some problems by ex-Chelsea duo Sturridge and Mohamed Salah but generally defended well, especially during an important period of the game when Liverpool were on top.
Davide Zappacosta: 8
Showed both sides to his game. Defended well during a first-half spell in which Chelsea effectively played with a back five to soak up Liverpool’s pressure, he then made more of an impact going forward as the game went on. Saw a powerful strike saved in the first half and in the second he created a chance for Alvaro Morata, who should have scored.
N’Golo Kante: 8
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Philippe Coutinho managed to get away from Chelsea’s midfield enforcer in the build up to Liverpool’s goal, and Kante generally didn’t have things all his own way in a tough battle, but it was another impressive, determined performance from him nonetheless.
Danny Drinkwater: 7
Making his first Premier League start for the Blues, Drinkwater’s lack of sharpness was obvious when he could have made more of a couple of early chances, and in the second half when he faded before being taken off. But in between, he was influential for a large part of the game and Liverpool struggled to pick up his runs from deep.
Tiemoue Bakayoko: 5
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Poor. Perhaps unfortunate when he was unable to get the ball under control and it led to Liverpool’s goal, but it was one of countless occasions when the Frenchman’s touch let him down. He was constantly sloppy and struggled to get into the game.
Marcos Alonso: 7
So often a key attacking outlet for Chelsea, Alonso had an extremely difficult game in which he was forced to defend for long periods. But he stuck to the task, usually managed to deny Salah space, and was still able to get forward at times. He missed a great chance shortly before the equaliser though.
Eden Hazard: 8
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Excellent, especially in the first half when he went close to scoring and showed his world-class ability with his skill and movement. A joy to watch when in full flight.
Alvaro Morata: 6
Worked hard but endured a frustrating time. Failed to react quickly enough when Zappacosta’s cross dropped to him. On a more positive note, he performed an important role for the team with his movement and hold-up play.
Willian: 7
Came up with the all-important goal, albeit with what looked like an attempted cross. The Brazilian, Cesc Fabregas and Pedro all had the desired impact when brought on as late substitutes with their team behind.
