Liverpool and Chelsea played out to a draw on Saturday at Anfield. Both of the struggling sides failed to get on the scoresheet.
The two massive clubs entered the match mid-table and neither team managed to make much of a move up the standings. It was the first time since 2008 that the clubs faced off to a goalless game in the Premier League.
Chelsea started on the front foot early in the match. Kai Havertz thought that he had put his team ahead inside three minutes after putting in a rebound from close range.
The German pounced on the ball after Thiago Silva hit the post. However, Havertz was judged to have been offside after VAR intervened.
Blues dominate first half
The Blues were the better side for the opening 40 minutes or so. Liverpool’s defense was shaky throughout the first period, particularly during set pieces. Chelsea had three or four solid chances from corners and free kicks during this period.
Goalkeeper Alisson was able to hold the visitors at bay though. The hosts perked up a bit in the final stages of the first half, but could not find the back of the net.
Mudryk makes debut after massive transfer
Mykhailo Mudryk would make his Chelsea debut as a substitute in the 55th minute of the match. The Ukrainian arrived to west London last week in a deal potentially worth up to $108 million. He became the ninth player from the nation to play a Premier League game and the second from Chelsea.
The new signing almost made an instant impact after he nearly scored just 10 minutes on the pitch. Mudryk dribbled through the Liverpool defense in a tight area and then put a shot towards goal. However, the shot from close range hit the side netting of the goal.
Both teams needed a victory on Saturday
A draw between the two teams doesn’t particularly help either club. Chelsea have now only won two of their last 11 Premier League matches.
The clean sheet will perhaps be a bit of a sliver lining though. Graham Potter’s club has now kept teams scoreless in back-to-back top flight games.
Liverpool did move up from ninth to eighth in the table, but just on goal differential.
The hosts have just one point in league play over their last three matches. Like their opposition today, the Reds also needed the clean sheet as well. Saturday was the first time in three months that they didn’t allow a goal in a league match.
Photo credit: IMAGO / Propaganda Photo
