A late Willian goal helped Chelsea secure a 1-1 draw at Anfield against a Liverpool team that opted to bench Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
In the first-half Chelsea again had to grow into the game, starting slowly and failing to break Liverpool’s press, with the Reds accumulating 68% possession.
As the game wore on Chelsea were able to impose themselves upon Simon Mignolet’s goal, with both Eden Hazard and Davide Zappacosta drawing smart saves from the Belgian keeper. Chelsea, on the whole, were the most dangerous attacking threat, even Danny Drinkwater came close on a couple of occasions. With the half coming to a close however former Chelsea winger Mohammed Salah came the closest to breaking the deadlock when he curled his shot agonisingly wide of the target.
It would be the wily Egyptian who eventually broke the deadlock as well, sliding the ball in from close range after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had latched on to a poor touch by Tiemoue Bakayoko.
Salah was humble in his celebration, choosing to show respect to his former club, as he became the first player to hit double figures in the Premier League this season. Following the goal Chelsea ramped up their attacking intent, bringing on Cesc Fabregas, Pedro and Willian to add pace and directness to their play.
The Blues finally reaped the rewards of their change in tactic with just five minutes remaining, as Willian’s chipped cross looped over Mignolet and into the goal to give Chelsea a point – although, on the basis of play the goal was thoroughly deserved.
