Chelsea and Liverpool gave an exciting 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium with Chelsea finally breaking their Premier League six-match losing run. The game was also Calum MacFarlane’s first point in charge, as he struggled this season at the helm of the London outfit.
It was a pretty good start from Liverpool in front of their home fans, and they initially dominated the contest. They were rewarded for their efforts when Ryan Gravenberch sent a great long-range shot from the edge of the area. The target was a sign of Liverpool’s attacking spirit, as the team sought Champions League qualification.
However, that was not the case with Chelsea, who were more disciplined in their effort than their recent form suggests. They started to play more possession football and looked more organised in midfield. They were not to be denied when Enzo Fernandez stepped up from a set-piece to change the game. He fired through the middle of the field and was able to beat the ball away from everyone and curler into the bottom corner, leveling the score.
The objective was to make the game more even and create a shift in momentum. The second half saw both teams finding opportunities, but there was a lack of finishing at crucial moments. Liverpool had the opportunity to make it 2-0 at least twice, before being denied both goals by offside calls.
Waiving away the woodwork in a crunch finish, both Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai were on target, but errant. Liverpool were pushing hard for the win but the pressure was withstood by the Chelsea defence.
On the league table, Liverpool are fourth with 59 points from 36 games, and are in a good position to qualify for the Champions League in the Premier League. Chelsea are ninth on 49 points and are still looking for regularity.
