Player Ratings: Liverpool vs Chelsea – September 29th 2018
By Josh Ricker
On Saturday afternoon, Liverpool took on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a rematch of their midweek Carabao clash.
The game finished at 1-1, but for most of the game it felt as if the Reds would drop their second straight match to the Stamford Bridge outfit in just a matter of days. In the first half, the Blues were all over the Reds and used the wings well to create chances all around.
After about 25 minutes the Chelsea took advantage of some poor positioning and Mateo Kovacic played a beautiful through ball into Eden Hazard who was 1 v 1 with Alisson. We all know how that story ends, no matter who the keeper is.
The Merseysiders seemed just a touch off on the day, especially in the midfield where we were particularly poor compared to the Chelsea midfielder players. Because of this, Liverpool had a hard time really getting the ball to our offense in threatening positions.
Nevertheless, Daniel Sturridge came on, and made wonders for Liverpool with a strike that will surely be a goal of the year contender. It’s a goal that also grabbed the Reds a much needed point ahead of another huge league clash against Manchester City next weekend at Anfield. The point keeps Liverpool at joint top of the table, only behind City on goal difference.
Onto the player ratings we go.
9. Alisson was so influential for Liverpool against Chelsea, and he is the easy pick for Man of the Match. The game easily could have 2-0, or 3-0 if he was not on the pitch. There were two specific scenarios where he was 1 v 1, and made a brilliant save. One was against Eden Hazard as well, which makes it even more impressive. The goal Hazard scored was not really his fault as it was hit very hard and low which makes it extremely difficult for anyone to keep out of the net. Another great play was on a short pass from Wijnaldum where Alisson broke off of his line quick as could be and slide tackled the ball away. The Brazilian keeper looked so confident on Saturday, and it gives Liverpool fans hope that we finally have a keeper we can trust.. Goalkeeper. Liverpool. ALISSON BECKER (MAN OF THE MATCH)