Liverpool vs Chelsea
8:15PM - 22/7/20
Anfield - Premier League
Very rarely this season do we see a visiting team score 3 goals at Anfield. However much more familiar is the attacking power and threat of this Liverpool team possess. On the night where Liverpool lifted their first league title in 30 years, another piece of history was made following this 8 goal thriller. The Red’s win vs Chelsea confirmed their third successive season unbeaten at home in the league, a first for the club. A true testament to the juggernaut side that Jurgen Klopp is developing at Anfield, and a sign to the chasing pack of how special this Liverpool team are.
Following Manchester United’s draw vs West Ham in the early kick off, Frank Lampard’s men entered the game knowing 1 point would secure a top four finish. Although the Blue’s came from 3-0 down to within a goal away of securing that important point, Oxlade-Chamberlain's 85th minute strike ended any hope of a late Chelsea comeback. The result means that Chelsea enter the final day of the season needing 1 point vs Wolves. Although the Blues will qualify if United overcome Leicester, Lampard and his men will ideally want to qualify for next years Champions League on their own terms.
Chelsea, who started the game strongly, soon found themselves 2 goals down following two world class strikes, worthy of any league title. Naby Keita pounced on a loose ball after Willian was dispossessed, and with one touch sent a roaring strike over a helpless Kepa and into the back of the net.
15 minutes later it was Alexander-Arnolds turn to join the party, as he sent a 30-yard free kick over the Chelsea wall and into the top corner. The decision to award the free kick, after Kovacic fouled Mane, ignited fierce words between Lamaprd and Liverpool assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders. Lampard appeared furious due to the reaction of some Liverpool staff at the decision, and spent some time arguing with the fourth official. Having also conceded an Alexander-Arnold free kick last September, Kepa’s manager and team mates would have hoped for a better effort from the Spaniard, who never left the ground as the ball sailed in.
Things went from bad to worse for Chelsea 5 minutes later, as Wijnaldum volleyed in Liverpool's third following a calamitous defending from Robertsons corner. Giroud and Jorginho failed to clear effectively, leaving Wijnaldum free to volley home. Yet another example of why this Chelsea team are the 2nd worst in Europe at defending corners. Olivier Giroud's tap in provided Chelsea with a flash of hope just before the half time whistle, after Allison parried Willians close effort.
Chelsea appeared to look dead and buried just before the hour mark, when Firmino scored his first Anfield goal since March 2019, heading past Kepa from a terrific Alexander-Arnold delivery. The 3 goal deficit prompted Lampard into a triple substitution on the hour mark, introducing Hudson-Odoi, Abraham and the in form Pulisic. To Lampard's credit the triple change made an immediate impact, with Pulisic dazzling past 3 Liverpool players, squaring to Abraham who tapped in from close range. Chelsea’s substitutes reduced the deficit again 10 minutes later when Pulisic fired into the top corner with his back to goal, after a super cross from Hudson-Odoi. Chelsea were now one goal away from an equalizer, and that all important point to seal a top 4 place.
It wasn't to be however, as Oxlade-Chamberlain slotted the ball past Kepa following more poor defending from the Blues. James watched the Roberston cross trickle by him before Alonso failed to track the goalscorer. All Kepa could manage was to parry the effort into the roof of the net. As the full-time whistle blew, Liverpool prepared for their trophy lift to the sound of fan fireworks outside, which no doubt added to Lampard’s headache as his side conceded 5 goals for the first time this season.
Post-match, Lampard was reluctant to single any player out, after another dire defensive display, “I will not talk about individuals in a game where we conceded these goals, there were some collective and individual errors”. Too many goals this season, and 4 of the 5 last night have been conceded from set pieces and counter attacks. This result proved a reminder to Lampard and his men of the work ahead if they are to close the gap on Liverpool next season.
All eyes look towards Sunday, as Chelsea host Wolves, knowing that a draw will ensure they play in Europe's elite competition next season. With the final league game and an FA Cup final in the next 10 days, Lampard’s inaugural season in charge will be defined by the two results. Win both and his appointment was a triumph, lose both and he may be viewed as out of his depth in only his second season in management. Football is a fickle game at times.
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