Chelsea vs Liverpool 2-2: Chaotic First Forty Five Ends in Draw

Four first half goals at Stamford Bridge saw Chelsea and Liverpool draw 2-2 in what was another enthralling match in the Premier League on Sunday evening. It was a chaotic first forty five as the match lept into action, producing end-to-end drama throughout as both sides created a host of chances in a thrilling clash between two title contenders. Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah put Liverpool in the lead, before Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic provided the goals for Chelsea as they fought back to draw the scores level. 

Team News: No Klopp, Lukaku Left Out

Head coach Jurgen Klopp was unable to attend the match here as he recently tested positive for COVID-19. Alisson also missed the match in what was a big absentee in between the posts for the Reds as he, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip were suspected to have positive COVID-19 tests. Caoimhin Kelleher replaced Alisson in goal for Liverpool.

In light of the controversial comments made by Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Tuchel left the Belgian out of the squad here. Reece James also missed out due to injury issues. 

Lightning Start

It was a controversial start to the game where Mane could have been sent off for an elbow in the opening seconds of the match. However, he was only given a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor. 

Chelsea should have taken the lead after an error by Trent Alexander-Arnold from deep inside his own half. The England full-back tried to clear the ball but it was blocked by the Chelsea offense before it fell into the path of Pulisic, however, Kelleher was there to deny the American. 

Another mistake and this time Mane capitalised on an error at the back by Trevoh Chalobah to put Liverpool in front after nine minutes of play. Chalobah tried to clear the ball with a low diving header but failed as the ball fell to Mane. The Senegalese international kept composure and took the ball around Edouard Mendy before slotting home. 

Chelsea did well after conceding, pushing and probing, as they tried to find an equalizer. Liverpool defended a number of attacks but the Blues were unable to create any clear chances. 

However, Salah struck once again to put Liverpool two goals in front. Alexander-Arnold played a fantastic ball in behind the Chelsea defense into the right channel for Salah to get on the end of. The Egyptian kept fantastic composure as ever before lifting the ball over Mendy. 

Chaotic End to the First Half

Chelsea pulled a goal back in a vital moment for the hosts as Kovacic scored with a volley from outside the area. Kelleher did well to clear the ball originally from a free-kick but the ball fell to Kovacic who put Chelsea back into the match with a beautiful volley that went in off of the right post. 

Even more drama ensued at Stamford Bridge just a few minutes later when Pulisic brought the scores level at 2-2. Antonio Rudiger did well to win the ball in front of Salah to progress it forward onto N’golo Kante. The Frenchman played the ball through to Pulisic who controlled excellently with his chest before smashing the ball home past Kelleher. 

It was end-to-end action as the first half came to an end as Mason Mount came close to putting Chelsea 3-2 ahead. However, his volley trickled past the left post past a helpless Kelleher. 

Calm After the Storm

The game mellowed out as the second half went on but there was still tension in the air as everybody knew that a goal could come from nowhere in an instant. 

Salah nearly scored from an audacious effort as Liverpool broke on the counter in the opening phases of the second half. Salah saw Mendy off his line and went for goal but Mendy did well to adjust and make the save. 

Mendy again was called into action shortly after as Mane, Salah and James Milner combined well before Mane got his shot away. A busy evening for the Chelsea ‘keeper as he continued to keep Liverpool out. However, Chelsea fought back again on the hour mark when Kelleher was called into action to deny a decent effort on the half volley by Pulisic. 

A point a piece for two heavyweights of English football as Chelsea clawed back from two goals down in what was a fair result in the end. 

What’s Next for Chelsea and Liverpool?

Both sides will compete in the Carabao Cup in midweek as they play out their semi-final ties. 

Chelsea will host Tottenham in the first leg on Wednesday, while Liverpool will travel to the Emirates to play Arsenal on Thursday. 

 

MATCH SCORECARD

January 2, 2022 – Premier League 2021-22 Round 21
CHELSEA – LIVERPOOL 2-2

SCORERS: 9′ Mane (L), 26′ Salah (L), 42′ Kovacic (C), 45+1′ Pulisic (C)