Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season continued after Daniel Sturridge rescued a point in the dying minutes against Chelsea.
Eden Hazard looked to have inflicted Liverpool’s first defeat of the campaign with his first half opener but Sturridge, against his former club, scored a stunning equaliser on 89 minutes.
The result means both Chelsea and Liverpool remain unbeaten while Manchester City moved to the top following their 2-0 win over Brighton.
Mohamed Salah had a sight of goal after five minutes, but his effort was tame and easily saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Salah was given another run in at goal five minutes later, and while this time his shot went high and wide, Chelsea looked vulnerable.
Chelsea created the first clear-cut chance of the game with David Luiz playing a ball over the top of the Liverpool defence, but Alisson managed to close down Willian to prevent his Brazil teammate scoring.
Liverpool were carved open again midway through the first half, with Mateo Kovacic picking out Eden Hazard perfectly, and the in-form forward finished from a tight angle to put Chelsea in front.
That goal was the first Jurgen Klopp’s side have conceded in the first half in the Premier League this season, and they responded quickly, again through Salah.
The Egypt international raced clear of the defence and rounded Arrizabalaga, but his shot was cleared off the line by Antonio Rudiger.
The first action of the second half came with nearly an hour gone, as Sadio Mane wriggled through the right side of the Chelsea defence, but his low shot was saved by Arrizabalaga at the near post.
Willian went down the other end and was bearing down on the Liverpool goal, but Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk recovered in time to clear the danger.
Chelsea threatened again soon after, with N’Golo Kante playing a quick free kick to release Hazard, but Alisson was equal to his shot.
Salah was hooked after 66 minutes, and his replacement, Xherdan Shaqiri, should have levelled proceedings not long after, but he was unable to convert from point-blank range.
Liverpool continued to push for an equaliser, with Roberto Firmino’s header cleared off the line by David Luiz.
While the away side controlled the latter stages, Georginio Wijnaldum nearly gifted Chelsea the win with a horror back pass to Alisson, but the goalkeeper just managed to beat the oncoming Alvaro Morata to the ball.
With 89 minutes gone, substitute Sturridge hit a curling effort from 25 yards into the top corner, ensuring Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the season carries into October.
However, the draw means that Manchester City move to the top of the table following their win against Brighton.
Be the first to comment