Liverpool and Chelsea laid bare their Premier League struggles for all to see in a bitterly frustrating stalemate at Anfield.
The two giants, who have been in constant pursuit of big prizes in recent seasons, are currently outside the top four – and how it showed in a disappointing game that was almost devoid of fun and quality.
Chelsea had an early Kai Heuertz strike ruled out for offside by VAR and had a lively debut for £89m new boy Mihajlo Modric as a second-half substitute, while Liverpool keeper Alisson scored for Chelsea. Was well saved by another new signing, defender Benoit Badechile.
Liverpool’s own £45m signing Cody Gakpo was quiet – he forced a save from Capa, but otherwise did little to warm the capacity crowd at a frozen Anfield.
Liverpool lack intensity.
The quality of the game was reflected in the subdued atmosphere at Anfield, with the final whistle greeted with silence apart from some very light applause.
Liverpool have built their reputation and success under manager Jurgen Klopp not just on world-class talent but on an intensity that simply blows teams away.
They currently look a shadow of a side in every respect – admittedly short of attacking talent such as Luis Diaz, Diego Jota and Roberto Firmino – and there was little alarm for Chelsea and no serious threat for Caper Capa. There was no work.
“We had good spells but couldn’t sustain it,” Klopp told BT Sport.
“We have to be ready for small steps and this is a small step. The clean sheet against Chelsea, we didn’t create many chances and they had some.
“In the end, I’m fine with 0-0 because you have to accept those steps. We can build on that.”
New Liverpool signing Gakpo appeared to be in a settling-in period, which is quite understandable, and he struggled to make an impact apart from a shot on the turn that drew a comfortable save from Capa in front of The Kop. .
Klopp’s side are now nine points off the Champions League places and it is clear they need to find that missing spark – and quickly – if they are to get anywhere near the top four.
Chelsea happy with draw
New Chelsea manager Graham Potter has had a difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge, with poor results as the club embark on a remarkable transition.
And that is why Potter and Chelsea will take the point, even though they will know they had chances to make it three against a Liverpool defense that continues to look vulnerable, especially without Virgil van Dijk.
“I thought the performance was good,” Potter told BT Sport. “Happy with the team, the energy, what we tried to do. At Anfield, it’s always difficult. It’s a clean sheet and a point, we move on.
“Overall, a positive day, apart from the fact that we wanted the three points.”
A cameo from Mudryk was a big bright spot for Chelsea, from newcomers Shakhtar Donetsk but too quickly – literally – to adjust to life in the Premier League when he was introduced after 55 minutes.
He immediately caused panic in veteran James Milner, who was clearly unable to cope with his pace and was booked for a desperate foul before being replaced.
Mudrac made a weaving run into the penalty area that ended with a shot into the side-netting and he was unlucky on two occasions when it went unnoticed at the far post.
Potter added: “He hasn’t played football for a while, he’s on a mid-season break. We’ve had to manage his minutes, but you can see his quality.”
New defender Badishael also made a good impression although he should have scored with a first-half header which was saved by Liverpool keeper Alisson.
Chelsea will regret not taking some of the chances when Liverpool’s defense was stretched, but this is a time when they will accept small favors and a point at Anfield – even with their opponents. In the current low state of – is always acceptable.
