Premier League GW22 - Liverpool vs Chelsea

Liverpool vs Chelsea | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Liverpool hosted Chelsea in a match that promised drama, excitement, and big stakes at Anfield. It was a titanic matchup. In a boisterous environment, the teams emerged from the tunnel, and supporters got ready for a matchup that would significantly affect the Premier League title battle.

Liverpool:

Liverpool's first Premier League match since Jurgen Klopp's announcement that he will be leaving the team at the end of the season is going to be an emotional occasion. With a game remaining, the Reds lead Arsenal by two points in the standings and still have a chance to complete his illustrious reign on Merseyside with four major championships! Liverpool's next match is against the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium, so a win here would be crucial to regaining their five-point lead.

Chelsea:

Chelsea has won three straight Premier League games and defeated Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup semifinals to set up a final clash with Liverpool. It appears that Chelsea has finally found some consistency recently. If they win today, Mauricio Pochettino's team would move into fourth place, nine points behind Aston Villa. Do they still have a remote chance of qualifying for the Champions League?

Line ups:

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Alisson Becker; Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez; Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai; Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota.

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Cody Gakpo, Harvey Elliott, Andy Robertson, Ryan Gravenberch, Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah.

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Djordje Petrovic; Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell; Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo; Noni Madueke, Conor Gallagher, Raheem Sterling; Cole Palmer.

CHELSEA SUBS: Mykhailo Mudryk, Carney Chukwuemeka, Christopher Nkunku, Armando Broja, Malo Gusto, Cesare Casadei, Deivid Washington, Alfie Gilchrist, Lucas Bergstrom.

Anfield Stadium | Picture Credits: SportsPro Media

First Half: Liverpool's Dominance Unleashed

Liverpool showed their strength right away, eager to extend their advantage at the top of the Premier League with a victory. Playing their first league match since Jurgen Klopp's emotional declaration, the home team's energy was evident. Chelsea, seeking stability following their previous victories, took against a tenacious Liverpool team.

The breakthrough arrived in spectacular manner in the twenty-third minute. Conor Bradley's defensive skills created an opening for offence when he dispossessed Chilwell, allowing Diogo Jota to score. The Portugal international showed unwavering resolve as he dribbled the ball between Badiashile and Silva and finished comfortably in the bottom-right corner. Beautiful goal, Bradley's assist emphasising his influence.

In the 39th minute, Bradley found the back of the net once more to give the Reds a two goal advantage. Bradley took advantage of space on the right and Luis Diaz's well-timed pass to smash the ball past Chelsea's custodian and into the bottom-left corner. Bradley's first goal for Liverpool to finish off an incredible display.

With the first half coming to an end, Liverpool had a great chance to make it three. After Badiashile tripped over Jota, Darwin Nunez was given a penalty, but his kick smacked against the post, sparing Chelsea more damage. Liverpool had a well-earned 2-0 lead at the break despite this error.

Second Half: Liverpool's Brilliance Continues

In the second half, Liverpool didn't let up, keeping control and setting the tempo of the match.

The game-winning strike came from Liverpool in the 65th minute. Already one of the game's stars, Conor Bradley, added another assist. Dominik Szoboszlai was the recipient of his accurate cross, and he powerfully headed the ball beyond Chelsea's custodian. With a 3-0 lead, it looked as though the game was over for the Reds.

In contrast, Chelsea began to show life in the 71st minute. Christopher Nkunku and Carney Chukwuemeka collaborated as substitutes, and Nkunku scored to make it 3-1. Chelsea had a ray of hope, but Liverpool was far from over.

The lead was increased by Luis Diaz for Liverpool in the 79th minute. Despite having to face the woodwork four times during the match, Nunez contributed a helping hand as his low cross gave Diaz the confidence to calmly guide the ball past the Chelsea custodian. An emphatic goal that confirmed Liverpool's supremacy.

Liverpool's Commanding Win

Liverpool triumphed 4-1 over Chelsea and rejoiced as the final whistle rang. The likes of Jota, Bradley, Szoboszlai, and Diaz put their names on the scoreboard, demonstrating Liverpool's offensive capabilities. Liverpool's overall performance created a lasting impression, regaining their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League despite Nunez's woes with the woodwork. As Chelsea attempts to rebound for a difficult match against Wolves, Klopp's team is now getting ready for a critical match against Arsenal. An incredible evening at Anfield, full of drama, goals, and Liverpool's unwavering quest for victory.

Jota celebrating after scoring a goal and giving Liverpool a 1-0 lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Bradley scored a goal and gave Liverpool a 2-0 lead in the first half | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Szoboszlai's goal gave Liverpool a strong 3-0 lead | Picture Credits: Hungary Today

Nkunku broke the deadlock for Chelsea and tried to keep their hopes alive | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Diaz scored the 4th goal for Liverpool which sealed their victory | Picture Credits: Premier League Website