Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool managed to end a dreadful January with a point off Chelsea’s trip to Anfield on Tuesday. The Reds, who lost three back to back games on their home turf, were under pressure going into this game and went one down when the wall and the keeper lent a deaf ear to referee Mark Clattenburg’s whistle from a free-kick. Defender David Luiz took full advantage of this blip as he put one past Mignolet, even before the goalkeeper realized that the kick was taken.
This pushed the Reds back in the first half but they came out with purpose after the break and managed to get back into the game. Georginio Wijnaldum helped himself to a goal finding a dangerous position in front of goal getting the game back on level terms. Diego Costa was brought down by Joel Matip in the box with 20 minutes to go but the Chelsea striker failed to convert from the spot leaving both teams with a point each. Liverpool will remain the 4th place, 10 points off the league leaders. Here are the player ratings for the Reds:
Here are the player ratings for the Reds:
Simon Mignolet (6):
A mixed evening for the shot-stopper who was at fault for Chelsea’s goal but redeemed himself by saving a penalty from Diego Costa to give his side a point.
Nathaniel Clyne (6):
Was not too adventurous on the night as he stuck to his task at the back to keep the likes of Hazard away from danger.
Joel Matip (5):
Gave the ball away needlessly too many times but was solid against Diego Costa, keeping him out of the game.
Dejan Lovren (6):
Gave away the ball during the build-up to the penalty but was generally sharp at the back, dealing well with Chelsea’s threat on the counter for most of the game.
James Milner (6):
Tried his best to help Liverpool in attack and also played a huge role in Wijnaldum’s goal but was out of energy in the dying minutes of the game, becoming a liability on the counter.
Jordan Henderson (8):
Ran the game for Liverpool by lying deep and helped them set up the game from the midfield. Played a role in Liverpool’s goal, made a couple of goal-saving tackles and put in a captain’s performance to earn his side a point.
Emre Can (5):
Still not at the level which is expected of him as he lost possession far too often but dominated the midfield in the air against the like of Kante and Matic.
Georginio Wijnaldum (7):
The hero of the night for the Kop, Wijnaldum popped up with an all-important goal, to give his side a point, and to rescue them from further embarrassment.
Adam Lallana (5):
Was not at his usual self as he looked out of position playing on the wing. Failed to create any chance from a wide position and will look to get back into the midfield from the next game.
Roberto Firmino (4):
Seemed to be distracted with his off the field troubles as he missed a couple of sitters, bottling a chance to give Liverpool a moral boosting victory.
Philippe Coutinho (5):
Is still not back to his best coming back from an injury as he failed to create or take chances for his side and was the first player to be replaced.
Subs:
Sadio Mane (5):
The Senegal winger was named on the bench less than 48 hours after returning from the AFCON but he failed to have enough of an impact to win Liverpool this tie.
Divock Origi (5):
Came in with minutes to play as Klopp tried to use him as a trump card.