Liverpool v Chelsea match report: Blues ‘reject’ makes them pay

Although tonight’s fixture ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw, nothing takes away the quality of Liverpool this evening. Former Chelsea man and ‘rejected player’ Mohamed Salah opened up the scoreline against his former club.

After unveiling a controversial starting XI ahead of today’s teatime kick off, Jurgen Klopp confidently marched out to face the current Premier League champions.

Regular starters Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané were dropped to the bench in favour of Daniel Sturridge and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain today. Sturridge’s play time in a red shirt has been minimal this season. Sure enough tonight was another less than impressive match for the former first choice striker meaning Firmino will no doubt be the lone striker against Stoke City.

Just a ‘Chelsea reject’

The Premier League’s top goal scorer and frequent MOTM had a blinder of a game once again. Mo Salah broke the deadlock in the 65th minute after a fluke assist by Oxlade-Chamberlain. The ball trickled in to the Egyptian off the toe of the Ox and scooped past Thibaut Courtois.

Pitted against Chelsea’s highly anticipated summer signing Alvaro Morato, it was clear who the better forward was tonight. Morato struggled to stay onside most of the game and didn’t do too much to trouble Liverpool’s defence. Another point to make the Londoners furious.

More from Rush The Kop

• Set to return, Virgil Van Dijk facing heavy criticism back home
• Liverpool making late comebacks all the rage once again
• Wolves tilt gives Klopp opportunity to tinker with lineup following international duty
• Players to watch in the matchup with Wolves
• Predicting Liverpool’s Next Five Premier League Fixtures

Magic Mo has now racked up a massive 10 EPL goals and he’s showing absolutely no sign of stopping there. The winger is undoubtedly the best summer transfer window signing. Full stop. I hate to think where Liverpool would be without the Egyptian goal machine. 15 goals across all competitions makes him the most successful LFC signing since Luis Suarez.

As it stands

A win for Klopp and the Reds would have put them level with Chelsea in third place and ahead on goal difference. However despite Liverpool’s impressive form today, a sweet strike from substitute Willian sailed past Simon Mignolet and put the London club back in it.

After an end-to-end game, the final whistle blew on a 1-1 stalemate between the rivals.

I can think of worse outcomes than a draw against the reigning Champions of England. Liverpool’s defence this evening was outstanding as well. Joe Gomez and Ragnar Klavan worked especially hard and made some crucial blocks and interceptions. The combined effort from Klopp’s back four really made Antonio Conte’s side sweat. A vast improvement from the second half shambles against Sevilla. 

Adam Lallana made his first Premier League appearance since his injury in August. Although he made little impact due to being brought on in the 88th minute, I know the Number 20 has a lot in store for us now he’s fit.

Oxlade-Chamberlain also had a great game, the former Gunner dropped into both attacking and defensive positions, proving himself to be a vital cog in tonight’s game. The Ox has more than settled in at Anfield now, bagging himself a sneaky assist too.

Next: Liverpool v Chelsea: Player match ratings

But nothing takes the glory away from the magic man that is Mo Salah. Yet another superb game for the newcomer. Every match he impresses the manager and makes the fans fall more and more in love with him. An absolute dreamboat signing.