Anfield played host to a lively encounter as Chelsea held on for a 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Saturday evening after Reece James was sent off just before half-time.
English Premier League
Result: Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Date: 28 August 2021
Venue: Anfield
Thomas Tuchel made just one change to his Chelsea team with N'golo Kante coming in for Matteo Kovacic. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp made three alterations with Andy Robertson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino coming in.
Both teams were struggling to keep possession in the opening exchanges.
Alexander-Arnold opened up the Chelsea backline with a brilliant ball over the top and Henderson met it on the volley with his weaker left foot and it went well wide.
The Blues took the lead against the run of play in the 22nd minute when Kai Havertz met Dan James' corner at the near post and his looping header beat Alisson at the far post.
The game turned on its head on the stroke of half-time when James was sent off after the ball struck his arm on the goalline. Mohamed Salah stepped up and buried the ball into the bottom left corner.
The Reds came out firing in the second half and were nearly rewarded in the 51st minute as Salah played a wonderfully weighted ball into the area for Diogo Jota, who headed just off target.
Jordan Henderson then unleashed an effort from distance which flew just wide of the top corner.
It was then Fabinho who let fly from long range which Edouard Mendy just managed to push behind. And then Robertson was denied by another brilliant save from the Blues shot-stopper as he too tried his luck from distance.
And despite their overwhelming dominance, the Reds were unable to capitalise on having the extra men as Tuchel's men showed impressive game management to cling on for the draw.
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