Chelsea vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction from thrilling match
Chelsea welcomed Liverpool to Stamford Bridge for a massive game in the Premier League title race
Chelsea and Liverpool played out one of the games of the Premier League season with a pulsating draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
Thomas Tuchel's decision to drop Romelu Lukaku following the airing of a controversial interview this week dominated pre-match discussions before it was revealed Alisson, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip had joined Jurgen Klopp in being ruled out of the contest with suspected positive Covid tests.
Sadio Mane gave the visitors the perfect start, however, with a well-taken opening goal before Mohamed Salah doubled the Reds' lead with a fine run and finish.
Mateo Kovacic went one better, though, finding the net with a sumptuous volley from the edge of the area before Christian Pulisic netted what proved to be the equaliser just before half-time.
Both teams pushed for winners in the second period but it wasn't to be with the main beneficiaries proving to be title rivals Manchester City, who now sit 10 points clear at the top of the table.
Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
55 mins: Kante is ridiculous, isn’t he? One minute he’s the playmaker for a Chelsea chance. The next he’s the last man at the back, thwarting Salah from pouncing on a through ball.
Liverpool are then almost in again as Fabinho drives forward and slides Mane in but he can’t pick the right pass and the flag goes up anyway.
We are currently averaging a chance every 30 seconds.
Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
54 mins: Close from Liverpool now! Superb ball over the top from Henderson and Jota hits it first time on the half volley but Mendy springs to his left to palm it away.
The flag went up but replays show Jota was definitely being played onside.
END. TO. END. STUFF.
Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
52 mins: CHANCE! Oh it’s superb from N’Golo Kante as he drives through the heart of the Liverpool midfield. He slips a delightful through ball inside Alexander-Arnold for Alonso. The Spaniard gathers and cuts inside but then wildly skews his shot over the top.
Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
50 mins: This game is like a snake vs a cheetah. Chelsea (the snake) can strangle Liverpool (the cheetah) for a lengthy period of time, but as soon as they become a little fatigued the cheetah pounces with predatory instincts.
Not sure if that works but I’m going with it.
Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
48 mins: Chelsea may have fought back from 2-0 down but they had to dominate the entire first half just to go in level. Liverpool didn’t play particularly well but scored with their only clear chances. The visitors remain incredibly dangerous.
Slower start to the second half so far from both teams. Understandable.
Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
46 mins: No changes for either side at the start of the second half then. How long can this ridiculous tempo last?
Chelsea get us back underway.
HT: Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
Here is (arguably) the highlight of the half. Mateo Kovacic’s volley to bring Chelsea back into the game.
At this stage I will say Mo Salah’s individual goal could also be considered the moment of the match so far. As could about 12 other moments.
Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
We’re nearly ready to go for another 45 minutes. If it is 1/10th of that first half then we’ll all be very happy football fans.
Wouldn’t be surprised if there are personnel changes from either side. Not only because they both looked severely open at the back, but simply because those 22 players must be thoroughly knackered.
2022 may already feel too long for some of those out on the pitch.
HT: Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
Just to illustrate how rare a game of this attacking quality is.
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