Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea: Blues’ Six-Game Losing Streak Ends
Enzo Fernandez scored a crucial free-kick to earn Chelsea a 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday. The result finally ends a dismal six-match losing streak for the visitors in the Premier League and secures a first point for caretaker manager Calum MacFarlane.
The draw inches Liverpool closer to securing Champions League football for next season as they remain fourth in the table with 59 points after 36 matches. Meanwhile, Chelsea sit comfortably mid-table in ninth position on 49 points.
Early breakthrough and Chelsea response
The hosts started the match with aggressive intent and opened the scoring just six minutes in. Ryan Gravenberch drifted inside from the left flank and curled a magnificent strike from the edge of the penalty area beyond the goalkeeper.
Despite the early setback, Chelsea displayed a renewed fighting spirit that has been largely absent in recent weeks. The Blues drew level in the 35th minute following a set-piece from Fernandez. The Argentine whipped a low free-kick in from the right wing that bypassed everyone in the penalty area and nestled into the far corner. Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili appeared to be distracted by a missed connection from Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana as the ball zipped past him.
Disallowed goals and woodwork frustrations
Both teams saw potential leads scratched off by the officials in a frantic second half. Chelsea thought they had completed their comeback when Cole Palmer found the back of the net but the goal was quickly chalked off due to Marc Cucurella wandering offside during the build-up.
Liverpool suffered similar frustration shortly after. Curtis Jones nodded home a promising cross from Cody Gakpo but the celebrations were cut short when the flag went up against the Dutch forward.
As the match entered its closing stages the home side pushed relentlessly for a winner but were continually denied by the woodwork. Dominik Szoboszlai drilled a fierce low shot against the base of the post and Virgil van Dijk rattled the crossbar with a towering header from a corner.
Anfield crowd voices displeasure
The Anfield faithful voiced their frustration by booing at the final whistle. Manager Arne Slot also faced the ire of the home supporters midway through the second half when he made the unpopular decision to substitute lively 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha for striker Alexander Isak.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Cucurella praised his team’s collective resilience ahead of their looming FA Cup final clash against Manchester City.
«I think the effort today was really good,» the Spanish defender said. «I don’t think it was probably our best moments but we showed if we play together then we have a good level. We aren’t happy because we wanted the three points but we are happy that we showed we’re a really good team if we put in the effort and fight together. Hopefully we can learn from this game and play well in these last few games.»
