Benteke left it till late into injury time to equalize for the Reds as the two sides played out a draw, with Liverpool’s sights decidedly on the Europa League final.
In a match that had little at stake, the professional rivalry between two of English football’s heavyweights was enough to dish out an exciting battle, at the end of which the spoils had to be shared. Eden Hazard probably had his best match in a Chelsea shirt this season with his movement, agility and creativity reminiscent of the superstar that spear-headed the Blues’ Premier League title winning campaign.
Sharing his opinion about the the Reds’ performances, Klopp said, “In the first 15 minutes we were great, playing wonderful football without scoring.There was not enough faith in our own quality and so we lost patience – and when you lose patience it is always difficult – and we lost formation.”
“There were a lot of moments when we shot and we should have passed. I love this stadium, I love this atmosphere but everyone lost patience tonight and the crowd did too.” While Klopp called for more patience and belief from fans and players ahead of next week’s European final, Guus Hiddink was largely satisfied with Chelsea’s spirited display. Disappointed that the Blues couldn’t come away with an Anfield victory, the Dutchman said, “It was a big disappointment in the last minute. But I can say Chelsea played a perfect game tonight.”
The Blues’ manager praised Hazard’s performance crediting his 100% fitness as the reason for the confident displays he has put up recently. “You can see what he is able to do. He is smart, he is gifted. He plays with courage”, said the 69-year-old. After troubling the Reds’ defence with his trickery and swift movement all along, in the 32nd minute Hazard took the ball from just outside the box and danced past half of the Liverpool side before expertly slotting the ball past Mignolet to give Chelsea the lead on the night.
Hazard has endured a difficult season for the London club with injuries and lack of confidence consigning the 25-year-old to a shadow of his former self with his form being the subject of endless trolls all over the internet. However his performances in the last few weeks has reminded the fans of the ridiculous talent we all knew and feared. The Twitterati were quick to jump in and give credit where it was due to the midfielder.
Hazard playing like there’s a transfer window around the corner…
— Dave O’Connell (@DaveOCKOP) May 11, 2016
Okay then. Hazard just walked past everyone. 1-0.
— Viktor Fagerström (@ViktorFagerLFC) May 11, 2016
Hazard danced around half Liverpool’s team and slotted into the bottom corner past Mignolet.
— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) May 11, 2016
Eden Hazard since his return from injury: 4 goals in 4 games. Pain-free… #CFC
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) May 11, 2016
Eden Hazard since his return from injury: 4 goals in 4 games. Pain-free… #CFC
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) May 11, 2016
Just when it looked like Chelsea were all set to leave Anfield with a well-fought victory, Sheyi Ojo who had only been on the pitch for 3 odd minutes sent in a cross in the 2nd minute of stoppage time. A poor clearance from Begovic sent the ball straight to Benteke who headed into an open net to equalize for Liverpool. It was a fortunate break for the Reds as the Belgian ensured the club’s Anfield send-off for the season didn’t end in disappoint.
Crucial goal from Benteke. Important Liverpool maintain momentum ahead of next Wednesday. Still unbeaten at Anfield since January. #lfc
— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) May 11, 2016
Ojo has 1 goal and 4 assists for Liverpool, despite being only like 7 years old or something. What a talent.
— Paul (@Kolology) May 11, 2016
Fun fact – 5 Liverpool players have scored 10 goals or more this season.
— Indigo (@IndigoLFC) May 11, 2016
Just treading water for the vast majority of that game and looked all the worse for it. Funny to score when we did tho.
F/T 1-1 #LFC— Sean Deegan (@CoSeanjdeegan) May 11, 2016
My word there were some bad performances out there tonight ? well done Sheyi Ojo after coming on. Nice to not lose last home game…!
— Karl Matchett (@karlmatchett) May 11, 2016
The final whistle added more cheer to the Reds’ lap of honour as the club had played their final home game of the season ahead of the season finale on Saturday at West Brom and the Europa League final on Wednesday. The fans however took out seats from the old Main stand as a souvenir to highlight a memorable season at Anfield.
The match at Anfield ends with the sound of snapping seats as fans take souvenirs from the old Main Stand.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarretTimes) May 11, 2016
The clatter of people taking their seats with them in the Main Stand. The demolition work is already underway here. #LFC
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) May 11, 2016
