Liverpool and Chelsea play out a goalless draw in Klopp’s 1,000th game as Reds’ European hopes begin to fade

Liverpool and Chelsea played to a goalless draw at Anfield on Saturday, with neither team able to make a breakthrough in a match that was notable for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp celebrating his 1,000th game as manager and Chelsea debuting new signing Mykhailo Mudryk.

The match began with an early scare for Liverpool, as Chelsea’s Kai Havertz thought he had scored just three minutes in, but the goal was disallowed by VAR for offside. The game then settled into a frustrating rhythm, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances.

Liverpool, who are currently sitting in 8th place in the Premier League table, were missing several key players due to injury, including Virgil van Dijk and Roberto Firmino. The absence of these players was evident. The midfield trio of Bajcetic, Thiago and Keita tried their best to create chances but failed to break down Chelsea’s structure. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been out of form lately, was brought on in the second half, but was not his usual self and was unable to provide the attacking threat he is known for.

Chelsea, who are currently in 10th place, also had their fair share of problems, as they struggled to convert their chances. Despite dominating possession for large periods of the game, Chelsea were unable to break down Liverpool’s defense. Havertz, who had an early goal disallowed, had a quiet game and was unable to make a real impact. Ziyech and Mount tried their best to create chances but were unable to find the back of the net.

Despite the lack of goals, there were some positive moments for both teams. Liverpool’s defense, anchored by Alisson Becker in goal, was able to keep Chelsea at bay for much of the match. Alisson made several crucial saves to keep a clean sheet, and the defense, led by Ibrahima Konate, put in a solid performance. On the other hand, Chelsea’s defense, led by Thiago Silva, was able to keep Liverpool’s attackers in check. Silva looked composed and was a commanding presence in defense.

One of the highlights of the match was the debut of Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk, who came on as a substitute in the second half and made an immediate impact with his pace and skill on the wing. The young Ukrainian winger was able to create several chances for Chelsea, but unfortunately, none of them resulted in a goal. Mudryk’s debut was a bright spot for Chelsea, and he looks to be a valuable addition to the team.

In the end, the match ended in a goalless draw, which leaves both teams with much to think about. Liverpool will need to find a way to get back into the European places before it’s too late, while Chelsea will need to improve their conversion rate if they hope to climb the table. The result leaves both teams stuck in mid-table and separated only by goal difference with Brentford between them.

Overall, it was a frustrating match for both teams and their fans, but it was a milestone for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who reached 1,000 games as a manager. It remains to be seen if he will make changes to his tactics and team selection to get Liverpool back on track. With several key players injured, Liverpool will need to find a way to fill the void and get back to their winning ways. Chelsea, on the other hand, will need to work on converting their chances and climbing up the table if they hope to secure a European spot.

Key tactical points:

Liverpool looked better once Darwin Nunez joined Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah in attack.

James Milner was key in building up Liverpool’s attack at the start of the second half, until Mudryk came on. Milner then had to resort to defensive duties.

Thiago Silva anchored the defense brilliantly with Benoit Badiashile. Liverpool only managed 3 shots on target. The first half saw Liverpool create just one scoring chance — a deflected Thiago shot.

Jorginho used every ounce of his veteran nous to disrupt the hosts’ attempts at possession in the midfield.

Hakim Ziyech made the most of his wing-back exile to apply pressure on a Liverpool defense that’s built on sand.

Is it time for a fundamental change in how Liverpool play? Salah cut a frustrated figure on the right given how little he was able to get the ball in space to run at. This only changes with the right combination of attack and will likely get fixed once Liverpool have proper winger on the left. They’re missing Luis Diaz.

The Reds have a challenging schedule ahead with upcoming matches against Wolves away, Everton at home, and Newcastle United away, followed by a daunting Champions League encounter with Real Madrid. Well, it might not be that daunting considering Real Madrid’s form, but then again Liverpool aren’t the Liverpool of old either.

Jurgen Klopp: “A clean sheet against Chelsea, we didn’t create a lot of chances and they had some as well. We defended in the second half with passion and clear organisation, but we were too deep in these moments. In the end, I’m okay with 0–0 because you have to accept these steps. We can build on that. Both teams were very aggressive.”

Graham Potter on Mudryk not starting just yet: “He’s not played since November. Hasn’t had any game time. It would’ve been a risk. He’ll get better the more he is with us. Sometimes people think us coaches turn top players into top players. Mudryk understands the game. It’s just fine-tuning it a bit.”

Liverpool have failed to score a Premier League win over Chelsea in four attempts for the first time since 2017–18.

Chelsea have now earned 15 Premier League points at Anfield since the start of 2013, five more than the next nearest club — Crystal Palace, with 10 points.