Despite being on a comeback trail, Chelsea FC fell to a 5-3 defeat to the Premier League champions Liverpool FC on their visit to the Merseyside. Frank Lampard’s men will now play an all-important final game of the Premier League season against Wolves, knowing that even a draw will ensure them qualification for next season’s Champions League.
The Blues dominated the first quarter of the game in terms of chances created on the pitch. Reece James’ cross which was intended for Olivier Giroud, who was lurking at the back post, was headed over the crossbar by Mason Mount.
James then sought to trouble Liverpool FC goalkeeper Alisson Becker with an effort from outside the box, however, the shot was very much off-target to trouble the Reds shot-stopper.
Chelsea FC fell behind to a moment of individual brilliance from Naby Keita in the 23rd minute. The 25-year old dispossessed Willian of the ball, and rifled it into the roof of the net, giving Kepa no chance to deny his effort.
The Blues did not seem to be on their best form following Keita’s goal on the other end of the pitch. A chance did fall Mount’s way with the attacker slotting the ball past Alisson. However, the English international was adjudged to be in an offside position.
Liverpool FC’s doubled their lead through a brilliant free-kick from the young Trent Alexander Arnold whose strike left Kepa stranded in goal. However, the awarding of the free-kick to the hosts was a matter of much debate, with Mateo Kovacic’s tackle on Sadio Mane seeming absolutely fair to the Chelsea FC players and Frank Lampard.
A third goal was soon added by the Reds through Gini Wijnaldum following a corner kick for the hosts. However, on the cusp of half time, Olivier Giroud poked in an effort from point-blank range to pull one back for his side.
Ten minutes into the second half, Roberto Firmino got on to the end of a fantastic ball from Alexander Arnold, heading it past Kepa for Liverpool FC’s fourth goal of the night.
A triple substitution by Lampard did seem to kickstart a potential comeback for the Blues. Christian Pulisic came off the bench and a brilliant run past the Liverpool FC defense saw the American square the ball for fellow substitute Tammy Abraham, who found the net from five yards out.
Pulisic then got his name on the scoresheet with the American turning and twisting before striking the ball past Alisson into the net.
However, a trademark counter-attack from Liverpool FC following a Blues’ corner led to Andy Robertson delivering a pinpoint low cross into the Chelsea FC box, which was turned into the net by Alex Oxlade Chamberlain to put the game to bed.
The Blues now welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. on Sunday at Stamford Bridge with only a point being required by them to achieve a top-four finish in the league table.
MATCH STATS
SCORE: 5-3
Possession: Liverpool FC – 50% Chelsea FC- 50%
Yellow Cards: Liverpool FC – 1 Chelsea FC – 0
Shots: Liverpool FC – 11 Chelsea FC – 10
Offsides: Liverpool FC –0 Chelsea FC – 3
