5 Things We Learnt From Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

Liverpool faced Chelsea in a moth-watering clash at Anfield. Chelsea opened the scoring through a brilliant Kai Havertz header. Reece James was sent off right at the end of the first half for handling the ball and denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Liverpool were awarded the penalty which Salah duly converted. The game ended 1-1 after Liverpool were unable to break Chelsea down in the second half.

Here are 5 Things We Learnt From Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea:

1) What a game of football! (especially the first 45 mins)

This was the Premier League at it's best. The game had it all- superb atmosphere, tactical battles, individual player battles, goals and drama. The 1st half was so frantic. Liverpool dominated the ball and created a few dangerous half chances but Chelsea were extremely dangerous on the transition. It felt almost like a rollercoaster ride.

2) Just how good is Van Dijk?

Prior to the game, a lot of talk was around Romelu Lukaku vs Virgil Van Dijk. Even the most optimistic Liverpool fans would have been a wee bit worried considering the fact that today's game was only Van Dijk's 3rd game back after his long term injury and although he had  bossed the last 2 games, he was coming up against a completely different opposition in Romelu Lukaku who is currently in red hot form. But Van Dijk looked absolutely colossal and had Lukaku in his pocket throughout the entire match. 

https://twitter.com/Tactical_Times/status/1431687552034033668

3) A great opportunity missed!

After Chelsea were reduced to 10 men at the end of the 1st half, Liverpool were favorites to win the match. It was a brilliant opportunity for Liverpool to take 3 points from a  potential title contender so early in the campaign. Unfortunately, Liverpool failed to capetalize. Liverpool started the 2nd half brightly and tested Mendy, a couple of times from the long range but after the hour mark, the tempo was completely off. The passing was a bit slack and they were unable to find gaps in Chelsea's backline. Chelsea defended with all they had and they certainly deserved a point at the end.

4) A high quality back up needed?

Following Shaqiri's move to Lyon, Liverpool could certainly do with a quality back up like Jota. It's games like this where such players could really make a difference. Reports suggest that an attacker would only be signed if Origi departs the club but that looks extremely unlikely. Moreover, there's also the Africa Cup of Nations to contend with, in January. Only time will tell if this was a wise decision from Liverpool.

5) Chelsea look like the real deal.

I think we have all heard the "attack wins you games, defense wins you titles" quote. Although each of the last season's top 4 teams have an elite defender in their ranks, it's safe to say Chelsea are the best in terms of defending as a team. Even the best teams would lose hope after going down to 10 man at Anfield but Chelsea just showed everyone, how well drilled they are. Everyone's busy talking about Lukaku but I think it's important to acknowledge Chelsea's organisation and defensive personnel.