LIVERPOOL lost their fifth-straight game at Anfield as Mason Mount’s strike was enough to give Chelsea victory.
- Final score: Liverpool 0-1 Chelsea
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THAT’S ALL FROM ANFIELD
Chelsea are on the charge towards Champions League football and the Thomas Tuchel train shows no sign of slowing.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are in danger of being left behind at the station.
Three months ago, the idea of the Reds failing to put up a competitive title defence was unlikely. The thought of missing out on the top four altogether was impossible.
Mason Mount’s goal was the difference in the scoreline this evening, but, in truth, these were two teams heading in very different directions.
It’s now ten games unbeaten for Chelsea under their new coach while Liverpool find themselves on the end of five straight home defeats for the first time in their long, distinguished history.
That’s the end of the midweek action, but there’s another packed weekend of Premier League football ahead so be sure to join us again on Saturday.
Goodnight.
KLOPP REACTION
A disappointed Jurgen Klopp believes his players need to find a way to show the talent they clearly possess if they are to recapture their best form.
Unfortunately, we cannot say it is only at home. It is not all about Anfield, it is too often in general. In the decisive moments we have to improve. We have to show our quality in these moments and we don’t do that often enough.
Jurgen Klopp
RACE FOR THE TOP FOUR
Here’s how the league table stands after the midweek action, and the battle for Champions League football is hotting up.
It’s advantage Chelsea following their victory this evening. The Blues are now fourth, and within four points of second-placed Manchester United.
Liverpool are now four points off the top four, and even trail city rivals Everton after the Toffees 1-0 win at West Brom.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have also played themselves back into contention with a fortuitous victory at Fulham.
KURT ZINGER
Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell have revealed that their goal celebration this evening was a playful dig at Kurt Zouma’s love for watching anime when they travel to away games.
TUCHEL DELIGHT
Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has praised his players for their Anfield display this evening, believing that they showed all the right mental characteristics to succeed.
We had excellent moments with the ball, and we had moments when we needed to suffer, but we never lost the attitude to defend. We never lost the discipline, desire or courage. It was a well-deserved win and a big performance.
Thomas Tuchel
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Relive a historic night at Anfield with Dave Kidd’s match report as Chelsea take charge in the race for the top four.
FRONT THREE FALTER
Unstoppable last season, Liverpool’s attacking trio were toothless once again this evening.
The only goal the Reds have scored at Anfield in 2021 came from the penalty spot against Manchester City.
MOUNT THE MATCHWINNER
Mason Mount was the difference this evening, scoring the game’s only goal with a superb effort just before half-time. At full time, he’s given the lowdown on another Thomas Tuchel tactical masterclass.
The gameplan was to press them high and not let them have the ball, we knew how good they are with it. Most of the time their defensive line is high, and the runs in between are on.
Mason Mount
BLUES KEEPING IT CLEAN
It’s now ten games unbeaten for Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea, and eight clean sheets in the process. In that time, the Blues defence has only been breached by Takumi Minamino and an Antonio Rudiger own-goal.
THE INFAMOUS FIVE
Liverpool have lost five home games in a row for the first time in their history. Coming straight off 68 such matches without defeat, it is an absolutely astonishing statistic.
FULL TIME STATS
No goals, one attempt on target and a fifth home defeat in succession. The numbers make hard reading for Liverpool supporters this evening.
FT: LIVERPOOL 0-1 CHELSEA
Chelsea take charge in the race for the top four as Liverpool lose a fifth consecutive home game for the first time in their history. Mason Mount’s superb solo goal towards the end of the first half was difference against a Liverpool side that didn’t register an attempt on target to the 85th minute.
PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
THE FINAL WHISTLE GOES!LIVERPOOL 0-1 CHELSEA
90+4. Kovacic wins the ball back in midfield, and Christensen – recently named Man of the Match – smashes the ball towards the corner flag.
That should be that…
LIVERPOOL 0-1 CHELSEA
90+2. Liverpool want another corner, but Martin Atkinson points for a goalkick. Chelsea are nearly there.
LIVERPOOL 0-1 CHELSEA
90+1. Alexander-Arnold’s corner is long – too long – and a glance off the head of a Chelsea defender sees the ball travel out of the box.
Liverpool try to rebuild and work another cross from the right, this time smashed clear by Rudiger.
LIVERPOOL 0-1 CHELSEA
90. As three minutes of stoppage time are signalled by the fourth official, Liverpool win a corner.
Thomas Tuchel uses this moment to bring on Kai Havertz for Timo Werner.
LIVERPOOL 0-1 CHELSEA
88. Mane and Kovacic square up to each after the Croatian clatters the ball against the Liverpool man’s head at close range. Mane had just been pushed to the ground by Rudiger.
Martin Atkinson deals with the flashpoint, and the Chelsea players are more interested in getting back in position that involving themselves in a melee.
LIVERPOOL 0-1 CHELSEA
87. More Liverpool possession. More Liverpool pressing. But Chelsea and their defence are standing firm, and look composed.
LIVERPOOL 0-1 CHELSEA
85. Liverpool finally register a shot on target. Wijnaldum gets up to head Alexander-Arnold’s corner but it’s comfortably saved by Mendy.
LIVERPOOL 0-1 CHELSEA
82. Mendy is quick off his line to smother play with Mane looking to pounce.
Meanwhile, more on that Salah substitution from Opta. Off in the 62nd minute, it’s the earliest the Egyptian has been substituted in a Premier League game at Anfield since April 2014 – when he was playing for Chelsea against Liverpool (60 mins).
LIVERPOOL 0-1 CHELSEA
80. A sub apiece.
Liverpool make their final change by sending on James Milner for Thiago, while Chelsea replace goalscorer Mason Mount with Mateo Kovacic.
LIVERPOOL 0-1 CHELSEA
79. “GET RID!” scream thousands of Chelsea fans watching at home as Jorginho brings the ball out of defence with Jota and Firmino bearing down him.
It’s no bother for the Brazilian, who pivots away from both of them in one graceful motion. Sublime.
He ruins it immediately by passing straight to Thiago.
LIVERPOOL 0-1 CHELSEA
76. Werner almost puts the game to bed!
It’s brilliant again from Mount, who brings a pass down and under control before playing a sliderule pass behind the Liverpool defence.
Werner is on to it in a flash, but his shot across Alisson is blocked behind by the goalkeeper’s legs.
LIVERPOOL 0-1 CHELSEA
75. Jorginho alleviates the pressure by buying a free-kick on the touchline when he had nowhere else to go.
Fifteen minutes remain, and while they’re not exactly hanging on, Chelsea are having to do plenty of defending.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
