Antonio Conte will be hoping for far better from his Chelsea players in the future.
Chelsea’s David Luiz in action with Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge
After a dream start to Antonio Conte’s first season in the Premier League, the cracks have begun to re-appear, with the defensive frailties of last season still evident. The attacking burden will also need to be addressed, with an over-reliance on Eden Hazard and Willian to provide the ammunition for a rejuvenated Diego Costa.
Liverpool on the other hand, have been full of industry and a joy to watch in the opening games of the season, but will need to match the intensity they bring to the ‘bigger games’ against lesser opposition if they can hope to achieve a top-four finish this season.
Thibault Courtois – 6
Despite a shaky start to proceedings, fumbling Daniel Sturridge’s effort towards goal in only the second minute, Courtois recovered to put in an average looking performance in the Chelsea goal. He had little chance on either goal, and produced a great save from Divock Origi in the 81st minute, to keep Chelsea in with a chance of snatching a late equaliser.
The whole defence (Branislav Ivanovic, David Luiz, Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta) – 5
On this occasion I have decided to rate the defence as a unit, with each member of the Chelsea back-line putting in a lack-lustre performance littered with mistakes and ineptitude. Whilst the Liverpool attacking line was fluid and much can be admired from their attacking play, the Chelsea defence was static all too often, and the inability to close the ball down or deal with balls floated in to the box meant three points never looked likely. Returning David Luiz will be particularly disappointed.
Chelsea’s David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic look dejected
N’Golo Kante – 6
Definitely not his best performance in a Chelsea shirt, but by no means one of the worst on the pitch. In true Kante style, he covered almost every blade of grass on the pitch, unfortunately for the Chelsea work-horse, the rest of the midfield lacked industry, and he was left exposed by the lively Liverpool midfield regularly.
Nemanja Matic – 6 (Sub: Cesc Fabregas, 84′)
Matic looked tired throughout, and didn’t provide Kante with much support throughout the game. Despite an underwhelming performance, he produced Chelsea’s best moment of the game, picking up the ball inside the opposition half, he played a great one-two with Eden Hazard and showed all the composure we have come to associate with the young Belgian, picking out Diego Costa for his fifth league goal this season.
Oscar – 5 (Sub: Pedro, 84′)
Largely anonymous throughout the game, did little to suggest he should be starting ahead of Fabregas in the Chelsea line-up.
Willian – 6 (Sub: Victor Moses, 84′)
Not his best performance in a Chelsea shirt, but he looked lively and along with Hazard looked like the only player in blue who could provide any real impetus to a Chelsea attack.
Eden Hazard – 6
See Willian above.
Diego Costa – 7
Love him or hate him, Diego Costa looks like he’s back. His movement has greatly improved and he looks far fitter than last season. He occupied the Liverpool defence well, and, like all good strikers, found himself in the right place at the right time for the Chelsea goal.
Chelsea’s Diego Costa scores their first goal
Substitutions:
Victor Moses/ Cesc Fabregas/ Pedro – N/A
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