Liverpool were without Florian Wirtz (illness) in a match featuring an already depleted attack, and with that limitation in mind it was a strong start from the Reds — though Liverpool looked much blunter in the period following Virgil Van Dijk’s missed chance. Given the absences up front Liverpool managed an alright performance, though sterile play with a narrow lead simply has not worked this season, and failed again today. It feels harsh to suggest that a team should attack with high intensity
even when missing three first-choice players in attack, but given Mohamed Salah is departing in the summer having an attacking plan without him, specifically, feels important.
The Reds once again proved to be not the worst to play against, as Chelsea-in-crisis managed to snap a losing streak and avoid setting a club record of seven straight losses. Usually a draw with Chelsea, even at home, is an okay result, but in this context it really feels like another missed opportunity.
Winners and Losers
The young Rio Ngumoha was a certain winner on the day, having put in a press-resistant attacking performance that both contributed to the goal and always looked the likeliest to lead to something. The Reds didn’t have a lot of attacking depth to work with given the injuries elsewhere, and there was booing when he was taken off to preserve his muscles (per Slot). Ngumoha won the most duels (6) and made the most ball recoveries (5) of anyone on the Liverpool side of the game, which is impressive (but also a bit damning).
Liverpool’s set-piece display left a lot to be desired, with the conceded goal a particular low-light: any of the Chelsea players could have scored, including the free kick taker, who did. Van Dijk did carve out a promising chance from a planned set play early on, but in general the Reds looked blunt and got lucky in the game’s other moments. Referees really do need to start cracking down on encroaching walls, though: Dominik Szoboszlai from distance is a goal threat, and these have got to start being retaken if walls have rushed in five yards before the take.
How The Players/Manager Reacted
Ryan Gravenberch admitted his disappointment after his goal earned just a point at Anfield:
“It hasn’t been a great season from us. There are still two games left so we have to try to win those to secure our Champions League spot.”
Despite his admission, the midfielder advocated for support in response to boos from fans:
“To be honest we need them behind us. We don’t win but I think we don’t really deserve this you know. Fans have to be behind us for 90 mins. When they were behind us in the second half we pressed so we needed. Hopefully the next few games they won’t do this anymore.”
The team had won everyone over early, but the impetus merely trickled away as the match went on.
What Happens Next
It was a dropped two points for both sides, though Liverpool are certainly better able to accept a point while in fourth versus Chelsea’s ninth. Aston Villa sit in fifth one point behind Liverpool, though will hope their European final renders the table moot (as do the rest of the sides there and thereabout). The Reds will hope their exertions midweek will lead to a sub-par or rotated performance on Sunday nonetheless: you can never be too safe.
Though early going at time of writing it seems likely that Brighton will make up some ground, as the Seagulls have managed an early 2-0 lead at home to Wolves. Though no one bar Villa can overtake the Reds this weekend, dropped points elsewhere would certainly take some pressure off. The Reds need another win to clinch Champions League, though goal difference is firmly on Liverpool’s side. On the other side of things, should Manchester United draw or lose against Sunderland, third place will remain in play.
Liverpool play away at Villa next, which will be a six-point game in the race for fourth/fifth slots regardless of how the table looks at the end of the matchweek. The Reds have Brentford at home on the final day.
