Chelsea vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction from thrilling match
Chelsea welcomed Liverpool to Stamford Bridge for a massive game in the Premier League title race
Chelsea and Liverpool played out one of the games of the Premier League season with a pulsating draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
Thomas Tuchel's decision to drop Romelu Lukaku following the airing of a controversial interview this week dominated pre-match discussions before it was revealed Alisson, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip had joined Jurgen Klopp in being ruled out of the contest with suspected positive Covid tests.
Sadio Mane gave the visitors the perfect start, however, with a well-taken opening goal before Mohamed Salah doubled the Reds' lead with a fine run and finish.
Mateo Kovacic went one better, though, finding the net with a sumptuous volley from the edge of the area before Christian Pulisic netted what proved to be the equaliser just before half-time.
Both teams pushed for winners in the second period but it wasn't to be with the main beneficiaries proving to be title rivals Manchester City, who now sit 10 points clear at the top of the table.
Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
72 mins: Looks like Chelsea have switched to a 5-3-2 now with Kante, Kovacic and Jorginho in midfield behind Mount and Havertz up front. Pulisic now effectively playing right wingback.
Liverpool remain a 4-3-3.
Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
70 mins: A lull in play as we prepare for fresh faces to enter the fray. Here they come.
Two changes for Liverpool. James Milner makes way for Naby Keita. Diogo Jota is replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
One change for Chelsea. Jorginho comes on for Trevoh Chalobah.
Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
This match hangs in the balance as we approach the final 20 minutes.
Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
67 mins: Liverpool earn themselves a corner. It makes its way over to Salah at the back post. He lines it up for Tsimikas on the edge of the area but the full-back’s attempt is skewed wide.
A rare piece of inaccurate shooting in this match. So far the finishing has been of the highest order.
Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
65 mins: It’s very difficult to quantify in words just how remarkably chaotic this match is. Particularly without swearing.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are preparing to come on for Liverpool. Fresh legs may well prove the difference as players inevitably become tired due to this infernal tempo.
Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
61 mins: I may be wrong, but I think N’Golo Kante is the only midfielder in this game. That’s how it feels anyway.
Chelsea continue to press forward as they look to pick the Liverpool lock, although at this time it’s more of an open door.
Mount whips a dangerous cross in but Kelleher hooks clear.
Then a chance for Chelsea! Pulisic gets in front of Konate and connects with an Alonso cross but Kelleher is equal to it.
Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
58 mins: Another chance for Liverpool!
Salah and Mane link up beautifully and it opens up for the Senegalese forward. He shapes to curl it into the far corner but then gives Mendy the eyes and goes for the near post. Mendy is equal to it though, flinging himself to his right to parry away.
Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool
57 mins: CHANCE! Oh my word that would have been remarkable from Salah!
Liverpool clear the ball with a long punt upfield. Pulisic can’t control it on the halfway line and Jota slides in Salah. Then Egyptian tries to catch Mendy out with an audacious lobbed attempt from 30 yards and the Chelsea keeper somehow gets pack to claw it away.
That may have topped even the Kovacic one!
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