Performances from Trent-Alexander Arnold and Naby Keita were crucial as Liverpool capped off their 2019/20 season at Anfield with a brilliant 5-3 win over Chelsea.
Liverpool celebrated their Premier League triumph at Anfield in emphatic fashion, securing a hard-fought 5-3 win over Chelsea on Wednesday evening.
The Reds initially found it easy to dominate the Blues, although they required a majestic strike from Naby Keita to open the scoring. After that, it was a thoroughly entertaining offensive display from the home side as they scored two more goals through Trent Alexander-Arnold and Georginio Wijnaldum before conceding a late first half goal, scored by Olivier Giroud.
Liverpool – Premier League winners 19/20 pic.twitter.com/5BayWUHcXm
— GDon ☬ (@lfcgdon) July 22, 2020
In the second half, a 55th minute goal from Roberto Firmino restored their three-goal advantage. But, two Chelsea goals, scored by substitutes Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic, in quick succession saw the Blues pushing for the equaliser as the Reds were pegged back.
The pressure, however, was ultimately lifted when the Reds’ substitute, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored the fifth through an excellent counter-attack, thus sealing all three points. And here, at The Hard Tackle, we will take a look at the Liverpool players following their win over Chelsea at Anfield.
Alisson Becker: 4/10
A second half save to deny Willian was the only time Alisson had any real chance against a Chelsea effort. It wasn’t the best of evenings for the Brazilian shot-stopper who will be disappointed to concede three goals, although he could have done nothing to save any of the strikes from Chelsea.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 10/10
Alexander-Arnold was by far the best player against Chelsea. Having started the game slowly, the right-back introduced himself in the proceedings with a sublime free-kick to put Liverpool 2-0 up in the 38th minute. It was followed by relentless offensive support from the far side.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has registered more assists (13) this season than any other defender has managed in a single Premier League campaign.
Into the record books again. ? pic.twitter.com/0uFUzj2Blw
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 22, 2020
In the second half, Alexander-Arnold continued his onslaught, notably providing a delicious cross to feed Roberto Firmino in the 55th minute. The Englishman also managed to put a few crosses into the Chelsea box that made life difficult for the likes of Kurt Zouma and Antonio Rudiger. Man of the match performance from the Liverpool star.
Joe Gomez: 6/10
Gomez looked quite solid for the most part, bringing the ball out from the back against Chelsea’s first line of press. But, a breakup of communication saw him make a dreadful error with Virgil van Dijk, allowing Christian Pulisic to score Chelsea’s third goal. The young defender found it difficult to cope with the US international throughout the second half, though he did improve as the game progressed.
Virgil van Dijk: 5/10
Virgil van Dijk was perhaps solely culpable for conceding the third goal from Chelsea, meaning the Dutchman continues his shoddy run of form. Aside from that loss of communication, however, he looked fairly solid and his aerial prowess was crucial in dealing with the crosses whipped by the likes of Reece James and Marcos Alonso.
Andrew Robertson: 8/10
Andrew Robertson was perhaps the second most influential figure for Liverpool on Wednesday after Alexander-Arnold. The Scot provided ample attacking support to Chelsea and was simply phenomenal with his offensive play, at times. In fact, he was the architect behind some of Liverpool’s key chances throughout the game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson created 5 of Liverpool’s 7 chances vs. Chelsea.
Quality. ??? pic.twitter.com/0fvMVq9PEf
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 22, 2020
Georginio Wijnaldum: 7/10
Georginio Wijnaldum had an average game in the middle of the park. The Dutchman scored the third goal of the game with a nice finish inside the box, effectively putting Liverpool on top. He made way for James Milner during the final phase of the game.
Fabinho: 6/10
Fabinho wasn’t as sturdy as he would have hoped in the holding midfield role. But, the Brazilian’s pinpoint passing, intelligence and experience were key in suppressing and denying Chelsea from overwhelming Liverpool in the middle third of the game.
Naby Keita: 9/10
Naby Keita continued his good run of form with a promising display in the middle of the park. The Guinean international was a spark in midfield, showcasing excellent dribbling prowess and easing Liverpool’s transition.
Naby Keita’s first half vs. Chelsea by numbers:
86% pass accuracy
9 ball recoveries
2 tackles won
1 interception
1 shot
1 goalHe has won possession 7 times in Chelsea’s half. ?? pic.twitter.com/yw6TFX5Uho
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 22, 2020
But more importantly, it was his sublime strike from outside the box that led to the all-important opener during the early stages of the game. He made way for Curtis Jones midway through the second half.
Mohamed Salah: 7.5/10
Salah may have failed to score a goal against Chelsea. But, his influence going forward was crucial in keeping his former side at their toes throughout the game. Indeed, the Egyptian made life extremely difficult for Rudiger in particular and had a part to play in Liverpool’s first half onslaught.
However, the ex-Chelsea star did miss a glaring opportunity and his influence on the game visibly faded as the game progressed. He was eventually replaced during the final phase of the match.
Roberto Firmino: 8/10
Roberto Firmino finally broke his duck at Anfield, scoring at home for the first time in 13 games. He had a massive part to play in Liverpool’s win over Chelsea, playing quick one-twos and puzzling the Chelsea defenders with his clever movements, ultimately allowing more freedom for his teammates. Yet another trademark Firmino performance.
Sadio Mane: 7/10
Another Liverpool attacker who failed to find the back of the net, Mane was a constant threat for Liverpool on the left flank. Although his influence waned in the second half, the Senegalese international won the important foul, albeit unfairly, that led to the Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick goal. Prior to the foul by Mateo Kovacic, the run he made was sublime, to say the least.
Substitutes
James Milner: 5/10
The Liverpool vice-captain made an unsurprising appearance midway through the second half, replacing Wijnaldum. Didn’t exactly make an impact, however.
Curtis Jones: 5/10
Replaced the effective Keita in the 66th minute and provided some freshness in Liverpool midfield.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7/10
Came on for Salah during the final phase of the game and scored a well-taken goal to effectively seal all three points for Liverpool.
Divock Origi: N/A
A late replacement for the tiring Firmino. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Takumi Minamino: N/A
Replaced Mane late in the game as Liverpool’s fifth substitute of the game.
