Chelsea v Liverpool player ratings

The fit-again N’Golo Kante scored during a second-half fightback by Chelsea but Liverpool held on to take the points. Here’s how we rated each Blues player in the 2-1 defeat.

Kepa Arrizabalaga: 6

A smart save from Roberto Firmino at the beginning of the second half to deny Liverpool a third goal. Couldn’t be faulted for either of the Reds’ goals earlier.

Cesar Azpilicueta: 7

Aggressive in the tackle and Sadio Mane found the Blues captain tough to pass. Fell foul of VAR when his goal was ruled out because of offside.

Andreas Christensen: 5

Substituted before half-time as Chelsea’s injury concerns grew, prompting early reshuffles at the back. A difficult afternoon for the stopper. Replaced by Kurt Zouma.

Fikoyo Tomori: 6

Kept his place in central defence from the team which played Valencia. However, the 19-year-old was correctly cautioned after a wild lunge at Jordan Henderson in the 20th minute when Chelsea were under pressure. Was put to the test regularly by Mohamed Salah.

N’Golo Kante: 8

The Blues’ ever-popular midfielder was starting a game for the first time since 18 August, having recovered from an ankle injury. Fired a 20-yard shot inches wide as Chelsea hustled but improved as the game progressed, before unleashing a superb strike to draw a goal back in 71 minutes.

Jorginho: 6

Got involved in a spat with Henderson as the Blues’ frustration took over in the wake of Liverpool going 2-0 ahead during a frantic first half. Also turned away from his place in the wall when Trent Alexander-Arnold fired home the visitors’ opener from a stunning set-piece.

Mateo Kovacic: 6

Chelsea’s industrious midfielder struggled at times to contain a determined Henderson and the physicality of Fabinho. Tried to start moves on the left but found Alexander-Arnold in robust form.

Willian: 6

A quiet game for the Brazilian, with Liverpool well organised across midfield and defence, denying him those trademark bursting runs.

Tammy Abraham: 6

Missed a great chance to level on 24 minutes when breaking Liverpool’s offside trap, only to see keeper Adrian make a smart save. Should have done better with the opportunity at a crucial stage. A frustrating afternoon in a direct contest with Virgil van Dijk.

 

Mason Mount: 6

Recovered from his ankle injury against Valencia in the Champions League on Tuesday to take his place on the left side of the Chelsea attack, just behind Abraham. Looked lively early on against Alexander-Arnold but his offside position cost Frank Lampard’s men a leveller, thanks to VAR. A hurried shot over the bar at the end could have snatched a point.

Marcos Alonso: 5

Came on for the injured Emerson after just 14 minutes. Unlucky not to have started the game but was slack at picking up Firmino in the six yard area for Liverpool’s second goal.

Kurt Zouma: 6

Replaced the injured Christensen in central defence as Chelsea struggled to find any first half rhythm, having gone 2-0 behind. Kept busy throughout by Firmino in what was testing encounter.

Michy Batshuayi: 6

Came on for Abraham in the 77th minute as Lampard looked for freshness in chasing an equaliser. Headed a fraction wide from an unmarked position.