Luis Suarez’s last-gasp equaliser denied Chelsea a victory which would have lifted them back up to third place. Here’s how we rated the Blues players in their 2-2 draw at Anfield.
Petr Cech: 8
Made a couple of breathtaking saves when most needed. The reflex stop with his legs just after the break was incredible and he almost kept out the late equaliser from point-blank range.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 5
The full-backs are often exposed by Chelsea’s system away from home and he was constantly under pressure. Barely featured in attack and struggled to cope with Liverpool’s extra numbers out wide.
David Luiz: 8
Another excellent performance from the Brazilian, who still gets criticised as a liability in some quarters for mistakes he made last season. Classy on the ball, sets up attacks and dangerous in the other box. An infectious footballer.
Branislav Ivanovic: 7
Made a couple of crucial interceptions and was dominant in the air and steady on the deck. It would be very harsh to blame him for Liverpool’s first equaliser although it looked like he was caught ball watching.
Ryan Bertrand: 6
Like Azpilicueta he was up against it defensively but fared marginally better than the Spaniard and looked a little less flustered.
John Mikel Obi: 7
Always does the ugly defensive work with the minimum of fuss and barely gives the ball away. Liverpool got around him plenty and so he was not eye-catching, but as ever did a crucial job for the team.
Ramires: 9
Chelsea’s best player. Relentless running as ever and used the ball intelligently. Is an essential component in the current system and is getting so much better at creating space for himself in the centre of the pitch.
Oscar: 6
A cunning but simple piece of movement enabled him to drift away from his marker unnoticed and head the opening goal and he showed commendable energy and effort but can still be a bit careless in possession.
Juan Mata: 7
Pressurised throughout by a high-pressing Reds side but still able to find space. It was a shame he cold not find the one killer pass to kill the game off on the break
Eden Hazard: 8
Dangerous and impressive throughout. His pace meant he was able to create room for himself time and time again. A calm penalty – which was expertly placed, although not cleanly struck – capped a fine display.
Fernando Torres: 6
One of the rare occasions when Torres’ display can safely be described as average rather than exceptional or diabolical. Wasn’t at his best by any means and perhaps should have really tried to terrorise Jamie Carragher, who looked shaky. But his running was positive, his presence won the penalty and overall he made a decent positive contribution.
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This post was last modified on 22/04/2013
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Belive me Torres should get 4 he wasted good chance and didn't play anytin. Dou referee and Benitez combined to spoil our day i should be grateful to all Chelsea players. Up chelsea
I think Mikel should be an 8; your comments are correct about the crucial job he does and he did it again against Liverpool. The flanks caused us the issues through the centre he broke down so many of their plays and can't be blamed for the goals, one of which was scored by a biting and hand balling idiot who shouldn't have been on the pitch to score and shouldn't have been given the extra minutes to do so.....KTBFFH