Chelsea ended their six-match losing streak in the Premier League with a 1-1 draw at Anfield, thanks to a fortuitous free-kick from Enzo Fernández. The visitors fell behind to a stunning strike from Ryan Gravenberch in the ninth minute but rallied to secure a point that prevents their worst run of league defeats since 1952. The result provides a much-needed confidence boost ahead of next Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City, where they will face Manchester City.
Liverpool, meanwhile, were met with boos at the final whistle, with fans also jeering Arne Slot's decision to substitute Rio Ngumoha for Alexander Isak. Ngumoha, starting against his former club, had been a persistent threat, but Slot explained the 17-year-old had cramp. Discontent had been brewing since the first half as Liverpool became increasingly passive after a bright start. The early lead came from Gravenberch, who curled a thunderous shot past Filip Jörgensen from the edge of the area. Virgil van Dijk then volleyed over from six yards, missing a chance to double the advantage.
From that point, Liverpool sat back and allowed Chelsea to take control. Moisés Caicedo sparked the visitors' recovery with his combative midfield display, creating chances for Marc Cucurella, who was twice denied by returning Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. However, a poor clearance from Mamardashvili handed Chelsea a throw-in, and soon after, Wesley Fofana was fouled by Cody Gakpo. Fernández drilled the resulting free-kick low, and it evaded everyone to nestle inside the far corner. Fofana confirmed he did not touch the ball, crediting the goal to Fernández.
Chelsea had further opportunities. Fernández was played through by Caicedo but saw his first-time shot saved. Cole Palmer had a goal disallowed for offside against Cucurella early in the second half. Liverpool also had a goal chalked off when Gakpo was offside before teeing up Ibrahima Konaté. The home side hit the woodwork twice through Dominik Szoboszlai and Van Dijk, and there was a late penalty appeal when Jeremie Frimpong tangled with João Pedro, but VAR did not deem it a spot-kick. Interim Chelsea boss Calum McFarlane argued it was a clear penalty, but the result stood.
The match featured several injury returns. Chelsea's Levi Colwill made his first start this season after a series of injury setbacks, and Reece James returned as a second-half substitute after nearly two months out. Robert Sánchez was absent due to concussion protocols, with Jörgensen deputising. For Liverpool, Mamardashvili returned from a knee injury, but Florian Wirtz missed out due to illness. The draw leaves Liverpool still in the hunt for Champions League qualification, though their style of play and Slot's decisions continue to draw criticism from the stands.
Protests over rising ticket prices may have been abandoned, but unrest remains audible at Anfield. Both teams delivered a mediocre contest reflecting their mediocre seasons. Chelsea will take heart from the point as they head into the FA Cup final, while Liverpool must address their fans' frustrations.
Based on reporting from Football | The Guardian.
