Chelsea players posted scintilating performances to conquer their hosts at Anfield on Thursday night.
Mason Mount’s exquisite finish just before half-time was the difference as Liverpool huffed and puffed in the second-half, but failed to find the visitors’ net.
This defeat is the Reds’ fifth straight home defeat – that has never happened before in the history of the club!
But for Chelsea, it’s a massive three points – it’s 10 games unbeaten now for Thomas Tuchel, who go four points above the champions!
Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, N’Golo Kante, and Jorginho were all superb for Chelsea, and it was a game where all their players really stepped up to get the win.
The Sun delivers Chelsea player rating:
Edouard Mendy – 7/10
He had a surprisingly quiet game as Liverpool struggled to create, but he did what he needed to do and swept up well at the back.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8
A solid performance from the skipper and he was as reliable as ever at the back.
Some nice touches in advanced positions as well as he looked to join in attacks from deep.
Andreas Christensen – 9
Very comfortable at the heart of the Chelsea defence once again and very competent on the ball.
He is playing with so much confidence and he gobbled up any danger to the Blues defence.
Antonio Rudiger – 8
Rudiger was spraying beautiful long passes around all game and looked a real threat with his vision from deep.
His pace was also useful up against Salah.
Reece James – 7
He looked rusty at times in the first half and made a few small errors that could have caused issues.
He certainly grew into it a bit more and relaxed in the second half.
Jorginho – 8
Some nice over the top and through passes from him, trying to make the use of Werner’s pace in behind a high line at the back for Liverpool.
Worked very well alongside Kante with the pair complimenting each other nicely.
N’Golo Kante – 8
As usual, Kante was doing what Kante does best, being everywhere and hassling the Liverpool players whenever they tried to advance with the ball.
He also provided the assist for Mount’s goal with a smart long pass.
Ben Chilwell – 7
A couple of decent passes in from the left that could of been threatening, and similar to Rudiger his pace was much needed today in attack and in defence.
Much improved showing from him after some poor recent form.
Mason Mount – 8
Another Chelsea game, another superb Mason Mount performance.
He made and scored Chelsea’s first half goal to put them 1-0 up, and he was the biggest attacking threat for them once again.
Hakim Ziyech – 7
Certainly improved from the last match as he looked to create with his vision.
He didn’t look as rusty as his last outing and was a decent threat in attack for Chelsea.
Timo Werner – 7
He was used perfectly by Thomas Tuchel today and even scored a goal that was later disallowed for offside.
His pace was a real nuisance for Liverpool, who play high up the pitch, with Chelsea always looking to put him in.
He will still feel that he should have scored one of his chances though.
SUBS
Christian Pulisic (for Ziyech, 66) – 6
Lacked a bit of intensity when he came on to be honest but was a threat in attack.
Mateo Kovacic (for Mount, 80) – N/A
Kai Havertz (for Werner, 90) – N/A
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