Liverpool v Chelsea player ratings


Chelsea are nine points clear at the top of the Premier League after their 1-1 draw with Liverpool. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the game at Anfield.

Thibaut Courtois: 6

Comfortably kept out a shot from distance by Georginio Wijnaldum in the first half and thanks to the men in front of him, had surprisingly little to do.

Gary Cahill: 7

Made sure that the threat from Roberto Firmino was minimal. A good, disciplined performance on a night of great team discipline.

David Luiz: 7

Caught Simon Mignolet napping to clip home a great free-kick that gave Chelsea something to hold onto. Patrolled his central station with his usual inimitable verve.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 6

Another dependable performance from the Spaniard, although he and Victor Moses were outflanked for the Liverpool equaliser when James Milner headed back for goalscorer Wijnaldum.

N’Golo Kante: 8

Snapped away to his heart’s content and almost set up a late winner for Pedro with a typical piece of poached possession. Another fine display.

Nemanja Matic: 6

A significant part of the imposing barrier the Blues created. And had the energy to get forward a few times. Kept chasing on a night when the Reds bossed with the ball.

Victor Moses: 7

A Costa backheel almost put him through for a goal in the second half – his near-post shot clipping a post, and he was a tireless performer up and down the right flank.

Willian: 6

Curling free-kick from out wide on the left had Mignolet in trouble and fizzed another just over the bar. Not quite as big an influence as he has been, but still did well.

Marcos Alonso: 6

A solid contribution. Tied down the left flank effectively enough, even if he was unable to get Chelsea on the front foot too often.

Eden Hazard: 7

Won the free-kick from which Chelsea took the lead an always showed willingness to track back and help snuff out danger. Replaced by Pedro for final 20 minutes.

Diego Costa: 6

Not an evening when he was going to get much service, but had the chance of glory when he won a penalty off Joel Matip that he failed to convert. Battled gamely throughout though.

Pedro: 7

Came off the bench to offer a welcome burst of energy and almost stole a late winner with a left foot shot clipped inches wide after Kante had fed him on the edge of the area.