Enzo Fernandez heroics, 8/10 star shines, Palmer quiet – Chelsea player ratings vs Liverpool

LIVERPOOL 1-1 CHELSEA: Full Blues player ratings from Anfield after Calum McFarlane’s side earned a point against the Reds in the Premier League

It was not quite the win Chelsea so desperately craved but a 1-1 draw at Anfield is never to be sniffed at. However, with context – Liverpool not being amazing right now and the Blues desperately needing a victory – some supporters will be frustrated.

The Reds took the lead inside six minutes at Anfield, with Ryan Gravenberch curling one into the top corner from the edge of the box. Chelsea, though, levelled later in the first half, with Enzo Fernandez’s free-kick looked like it evaded everyone and snuck into the bottom corner. Replays appeared to show Wesley Fofana got the last touch for the equalising goal – but the Premier League have given the goal to Fernandez.

Chelsea thought they took the lead early into the second half but Marc Cucurella was deemed to be in an offside position, after a VAR check, in the build-up to Cole Palmer striking the ball into the back of the net. Dominik Szoboszlai came close to winning the match for Liverpool, but his long-range strike hit the outside of the post.

Below, Bobby Vincent rates the Chelsea players out of 10.

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Philip Jorgensen – A fantastic save in the second half to deny Szoboszlai from just inside the box. Some composed moments with the ball at his feet as well. 7

Malo want – Really struggled against the electric Rio Ngumoha. Gusto was too often left one-v-one with the young Liverpool winger and the majority of the time, the Chelsea full-back was beaten. 5

Wesley Fofana – Back in the defence after a few games where he was not used, Fofana thought he had scored on his return, with the slightest of touches guiding the ball into the bottom corner – unfortunately for him, the Premier League reckon otherwise. Apart from that, Fofana looked much better than his recent performances. 6

Levi Colwill – Great to see the defender starting again. Some typical line-breaking passes were pleasing on the eye. He makes such a difference to this team – even when he is not in peak condition. 8

Jorrel Hato – Did well when coming back in after a few games out of the side. Hato was used at left-back for the first time in a while. The Dutchman performed admirably at Anfield. 6

Moises Caicedo – He was effective when playing that lofted through ball out to the left-hand side, usually in Marc Cucurella’s direction. Caicedo’s passing range is definitely an underrated element of his game. During Chelsea’s dominant spell in the first half, Caicedo was crucial in keeping Liverpool pinned in. 7

Andrey Santos – Brought some much-needed energy to the midfield and helped Chelsea win the battle in the middle of the pitch. 6

Cole Palmer – He was asked to track back a lot to try and contend with the threat of Ngumoha. It’s not Palmer’s strong point, though, and that was clear to see. Palmer was a bit quiet in an attacking sense. 6

Enzo Fernandez – It was some delivery for the goal. Initially, it looked as if Fernandez had scored, but while Fofana tried to claim it, Fernandez has been given the goal officially. The Argentine was brilliant – as he has been so often this season – once again for Chelsea. 8

Marc Cucurella – Cucurella was used as a left winger due to Chelsea’s injury problems in wide areas. The Spaniard made some good runs in behind the Liverpool defence. While he wasn’t always found, he had a good strike well saved in the first half. A big threat down the left-hand side in a slightly unorthodox position. 7

João Pedro – Deprived of service. He almost got played through around 20 minutes in and might have been a bit sharper with his sprint, but the goalkeeper gathered the ball well. Not in the game enough. 6

Reece James (on for Santos 63′) – Great to see the captain back on the pitch, slotting straight into the Chelsea midfield. As you would expect from James, it was a seamless transition and he looked at home straight away. 6