Chelsea finally displayed some resilience after a miserable run of six straight league defeats, earning a valuable draw against Liverpool at Anfield in a match that carried major implications for European qualification. While the Blues showed far more determination than in recent weeks, Liverpool once again struggled to produce attacking quality, registering only 0.51 expected goals. That marked their lowest xG tally in a Premier League home fixture since March 2021, coincidentally also against Chelsea when they managed just 0.28.
The result means Liverpool still require three more points from their remaining two matches to confirm a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League unless Fulham can do them a favour against Bournemouth. Chelsea, meanwhile, remain in contention for European football and could still sneak into the Champions League positions under the right circumstances involving Aston Villa and the Europa League.
The home side made the perfect start after only five minutes. Youngster Rio Ngumoha, continuing his impressive rise, picked out Ryan Gravenberch near the edge of the penalty area. The Dutch midfielder produced a classy curling effort that flew into the top corner beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.
Ngumoha’s contribution added to an impressive league statistic, with teenagers now responsible for 55 goals or assists in the Premier League this season, the highest total recorded since the 2006 to 2007 campaign.
Despite the early breakthrough, Liverpool gradually lost control and allowed Chelsea to gain confidence. Giorgi Mamardashvili, returning from injury, was forced into several important interventions as Chelsea repeatedly attacked down the left side.
Chelsea eventually found their reward in the 35th minute. Enzo Fernández delivered a dangerous free kick into the penalty area, and confusion inside Liverpool’s defence allowed the ball to travel untouched into the net. The goal brought Chelsea level on 57 direct free kick goals in Premier League history, matching Liverpool’s tally, with only Manchester United ahead on 68.
Both sides had opportunities after the interval. Cole Palmer thought he had completed the turnaround for Chelsea before an offside decision ruled it out, while Liverpool also had a goal disallowed moments later.
Dominik Szoboszlai struck the post late on and Virgil van Dijk rattled the crossbar from a corner, but neither team could find a winner in a contest that often reflected the lack of confidence currently surrounding both clubs. In the end, Chelsea appeared the happier side with a point that keeps their European ambitions alive.
