Chelsea: Liverpool had a gala time against 10-man Chelsea as they came up triumphant with Sadio Mane scoring twice at the Stanford Bridge on Sunday (September 20). The match started with a lot of hope, as both Chelsea and Liverpool have made big transfers to light up their side this season.
Kai Havertz and Timo Werner were the important men for Chelsea as the team was dependent on the Germans for goals. On the other hand, Liverpool’s latest signing of Thiago Alcantara was a man to watch out for and how Jurgen Klopp uses him in his side.
It was a slow start to the match as Frank Lampard’s Chelsea played on the counter-attack while Liverpool pressed with a high line. Timo missed an opportunity on 25 minutes as his shot went passed the Liverpool post. The game turned half-time mark after a long ball from Jordan Henderson went to Mane and Chelsea’s Danish defender Andreas Christensen pushed him from behind and stopped him from a clear goal-scoring opportunity. \
The referee showed him a yellow card initially but later by the help of VAR he changed his decision and showed him red resulting Chelsea down to 10 men. The Blues were forced to substitute Havertz with Fikayo Tomori came in the defence. On the other hand, Klopp substituted Henderson for Thiago.
Liverpool finally broke the deadlock in the 50th minute when Mane headed past Chelsea goalie Kepa Arrizabalaga after a lob from Roberto Firmino. The Senegalese hit bnack again four minutes later, this time thanks to a dreadful mistake from the Spanish ‘keeper under the Blues bar.
It was far from a lost cause for Chelsea to come back against such a strong Liverpool unit. At 75 minutes Timo earned a penalty for Chelsea after he was tripped inside the box by Thiago. Skipper Jorginho’s took the spot kick which was brilliantly saved by Liverpool ‘keeper Allison Becker.
Chelsea have to make a big decision on Kepa. Some important saves cannot mercy his mistake which led to Liverpool’s second goal. They need a good keeper. Even Lampard has to think about the formation, as during the whole match Timo was not playing in his preferred position of a striker rather a winger.
It’s difficult for German international to get adapt in a new position. Both Kai and Mason Mount are attacking midfielders and they were being used as a winger. The defence was under too much pressure as the team was playing a lot of back passes which led to the second goal. Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Hakim Ziyech will be available for them in the next match and let’s hope things turn around at the Bridge.
Liverpool on the other hand have been an oiled machine. Whatever they touch turns into gold now. Even using Fabinho as a centre-back has worked for Klopp. Mane has been their old warrior and he is still producing the goods in every match. Two goals on Sunday showed if Mohamed Salah fails Mane is there to score for them. It’s too early but he can eye for back-to-back Premier League victories with such clinical performance.
On other games Tottenham won 5-2 against Southampton. Son Heung-min scored four times for Spurs and a goal from Harry Kane settled it. Danny Ings scored twice for Southampton in consolation. In another match, 10-men Brighton won 3-0 against Newcastle United at the St. James’ Park.
