Arne Slot’s disappointment continued after Liverpool were held at Anfield by a struggling Chelsea side that had not won in six Premier League matches.
Liverpool did what Liverpool have done too many times this season. They took the lead, took their foot off and invited their opposition back into a match they should have buried.
A 1-1 draw against a Chelsea side that had not won in six Premier League games and had not scored in five is not a result that will live long in the memory at Anfield – unless it costs them Champions League football.
Gravenberch gave the hosts the perfect start, curling a superb effort into the corner past Filip Jorgensen, who was helpless. It was the kind of opening that should set the platform for a convincing home win against a Chelsea side deep in a crisis of confidence. Instead, Liverpool sat back, invited pressure and were punished before half-time.
Ryan Gravenberch with a super curler for the opener at Anfield 🤩🚀
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The equaliser was soft in every sense. A free kick in a dangerous area, Enzo Fernandez whipping a cross from deep that missed everyone in the box – including Mamardashvili, who stood rooted to the spot as the ball crept into the bottom corner.
A goalkeeper error to match the lack of intensity that had allowed Chelsea back into the game.
From that point Liverpool looked like a side hanging on rather than pushing for a winner. The second half offered brief moments of promise – Curtis Jones had a goal ruled out for offside, Szoboszlai struck the woodwork and forced a fine save from Jorgensen – but they were isolated moments in a performance that appeared to lack urgency and desire.
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The individual performances told their own story. Gakpo was virtually anonymous up front, registering the fewest touches on the pitch. Frimpong, deployed as a winger, offered almost nothing going forward.
Gravenberch disappeared after his goal. Mac Allister was outplayed by Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the middle of the park. Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool’s most promising attacker on the day, was substituted to a chorus of boos from the Anfield crowd directed at Arne Slot.
This is a team that has lost to Manchester United 3-2 at Old Trafford last week, drawn at home with a Chelsea side in crisis and are now being asked serious questions about where their season ends.
A win today would have secured UEFA Champions League football next season, instead they now have to get points at Villa Park next week before hosting Brentford on the final day.
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Chelsea had not won in six league matches. They had not scored in five. They came to Anfield and left with a point and a renewed sense of belief. Liverpool gave them exactly what they needed.
Passive in possession, passive in defence and passive in ambition. A 1-1 draw that feels heavier than the scoreline suggests.
Photo: REUTERS/Phil Noble
