Liverpool. Icy winds in the air, aimless in the field.
The meeting between Liverpool and Chelsea was not the same chaotic and entertaining scene that we are used to.
These two clubs have lost their way and are mostly focused on making a comeback.
Once upon a time, meetings between Liverpool and Chelsea were some of the highlights of the season. By “once” does not mean ten, five or even two years. Here at Anfield, where the deadly icy winds are more reminiscent of the Arctic than of England, two teams have met who, for the moment, are trying to lay foundations rather than achieve greatness on the pitch.
This is what Andy Robertson claimed after the final whistle. Although Chelsea created at least three big chances, Liverpool managed to hold out in defense for the full 90 minutes (an early goal from behind was ruled out for offside).
This is seen as an achievement that says a lot about the team’s performance so far this season.
No eye candy
Graham Potter surprised Lewis Hall into a central position, a move with mixed results. Chelsea made it difficult for Liverpool to play through the middle of the field. At the same time, an 18-year-old would have the satisfaction of a real reinforcement in the form of a goal or simply more of a routine. Now he fumbled with the ball on occasion and made a few rash decisions that could have been costly.
In terms of quality, the match can hardly be called a feast for the eyes. However, there was no shortage of opportunities for both teams. Which produced a kind of ocean storm climate as it spiked dramatically back and forth.
Chelsea gave up their attempt to get the ball to Kai Havertz across the turf and blocked a high pass from deep. The real difference was a guy taken straight from a late 90’s boy band sorry I mean Shakhtar Donetsk.
Mykhailo Mudryk must have cost a lot of money – just over a billion kroner – and he probably wanted to end up in north London with Arsenal. Why the owner Todd Bohle immediately wanted the Ukrainian, however, quickly became visible.
Milner did not follow
Mudryk has partly quick but also technical feet and forced James Milner to pick up his first yellow card of the season. Shortly thereafter, right back Trent Alexander-Arnold was replaced. This is not a discount for a 37-year-old who desperately wants to but is no longer keeping up with the younger generation.
Andy Robertson was one of those who showed some kind of spark. Jurgen Klopp has decided to stick with large parts of the starting line-up that defeated Wolves in the FA Cup earlier this week. Fans are not happy that Liverpool are still far from their “usual” level, that is, intense pressing and free attacks.
Most disturbing
Perhaps most troubling is how vulnerable they are when they suddenly look down on defensive groups. Last season, Liverpool were in the top three for goals conceded least from set pieces. Now it didn’t matter whether the opponents were called Brentford or Brighton because the faces of the Liverpool players scrunched up in terror around every corner.
or Chelsea.
In the end, it was a common point and two remained for nothing at Anfield on a cold Saturday afternoon. But above all, another confirmation of why these big clubs are not involved in the big battle.