Liverpool dropped valuable Premier League points after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Anfield.
Liverpool were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Saturday as their push for Champions League qualification suffered another setback.
The Reds made a fast start at Anfield when Ryan Gravenberch scored a superb long-range effort just six minutes into the match. Liverpool looked in control early on and nearly doubled their advantage through Virgil van Dijk, who missed a clear opportunity shortly after the opener.
However, Chelsea gradually fought their way back into the game. The visitors targeted Liverpool’s right side, where Curtis Jones struggled in an unfamiliar right-back role. Marc Cucurella caused repeated problems for the home side, forcing goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili into several important saves.
Chelsea eventually found their equaliser before half-time through a dangerous set-piece routine. Enzo Fernandez delivered a low cross into the box, allowing Wesley Fofana to overpower Cody Gakpo before the ball rolled into the net.
The visitors nearly took the lead in the second half when Cole Palmer thought he had scored, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside during the build-up involving Cucurella.
Liverpool responded strongly late in the game, with Jones having a goal disallowed for offside and Dominik Szoboszlai striking the post. Van Dijk also hit the woodwork as the hosts pushed for a winner, but Chelsea held firm to secure a valuable point.
The result leaves Liverpool still battling for a Champions League spot, while Chelsea end a poor run of Premier League defeats with a hard-earned draw at Anfield.