Chelsea cannot break through against Liverpool

The London team missed the chance to break away from the top spot after drawing 1-1 with Liverpool on the evening of January 31.

Diego Costa failed to beat goalkeeper Mignolet at the end of the match. Photo: Reuters.

Goals: Wijnaldum (58') - David Luiz (25').

The match at Anfield was dramatic, true to the nature of a top match of the 23rd round of the Premier League. The visitors opened the scoring in the first half thanks to a free kick from David Luiz. The Brazilian midfielder cleverly took the shot when goalkeeper Mignolet had just adjusted Liverpool's wall and was not ready, even though the referee had blown the whistle to allow Chelsea to take the free kick.

Liverpool equalized early in the second half after a combination on the left wing and Georginio Wijnaldum headed the ball into Chelsea's net.

The Premier League leaders had the chance to take all three points in the 77th minute when Diego Costa won a penalty after being fouled by Joel Matip in the box. However, the Spanish striker was unable to beat goalkeeper Mignolet from the spot.

The draw at Anfield cost Chelsea the chance to break away as the two teams right behind them, Tottenham and Arsenal, also failed to win in this round. However, with 56 points, Chelsea have created a very safe gap of up to nine points with the second team, Tottenham.

Meanwhile, this draw helps Liverpool end a run of three consecutive home defeats, including two matches that knocked them out of the League Cup and FA Cup.

Liverpool had a much better match than their recent form. Photo: Reuters.

Liverpool go into the game against Chelsea with a team that has been hurt by recent defeats. They missed out on reaching the League Cup final after losing both legs to Southampton in the semi-finals. Klopp's side suffered another shock when they were beaten by lower league Wolves at Anfield in the FA Cup.

Liverpool's poor form and playing against a strong team like Chelsea sparked a revival. The home team earned a deserved point with a lively return to form in attack. If Firmino had been more accurate in his finishing, Liverpool could have even beaten Chelsea. The Brazilian striker once sent the ball over the bar and the other time hit goalkeeper Courtois in a good chance inside the box.

Jurgen Klopp continues to maintain an excellent head-to-head record against the Premier League's top six, Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham. Since his appointment at Liverpool, the team has played 15 Premier League matches against the top six, winning six, drawing eight and losing just one to Man Utd.

Klopp's joy is not only in the results but also in the signs of recovery of the team. He has the return of pillars such as Joel Matip, Adam Lallana and Sadio Mane. Liverpool's play has started at the same speed as the first leg, although the chance to compete for the championship is difficult when 10 points behind Chelsea.

The return of key players will help Liverpool a lot in the second leg. Photo: Reuters.

Klopp was also joined by Chelsea manager Conte. Despite the disappointment of Costa’s missed penalty, the Italian coach celebrated with his players in the away section after the game. Conte seemed to understand that it was a good thing to get a point at the home of a big and vulnerable opponent.

In Chelsea's performance, midfielder N'golo Kante continued to play a big role as he was everywhere on the pitch. As soon as Chelsea lost the ball, whether in their own half or near Liverpool's 16m50 box, Kante was there to compete and reduce the opponent's chances of launching an attack.

Despite not winning, it was still a successful evening for Chelsea as their neighbours Tottenham and Arsenal both stumbled. Tottenham could only manage a 0-0 draw against relegation-threatened Sunderland while Arsenal suffered a 1-2 home defeat to Watford.

According to VNE