Liverpool Player Ratings vs Chelsea: Hendo Hoists the Trophy

Here we are. The 30 year wait is officially officially really over. Liverpool will hoist their trophy as champions of England. Hendo will do the shuffle. 

However, before any of that happens, they have a difficult match against a Chelsea side fighting for a Champions League spot.  

Jurgen Klopp isn’t messing around this one though. He’s got his strongest available XI (with one exception). Can Liverpool get back on track?

Liverpool dominate the first half, going up 3-0. However, continue their frustrating trend of giving goals back after taking a lead. Chelsea pull one back in the waning seconds of first half stoppage time. While it’s 3-1 at the half, it’s a fairly even match. Liverpool are 51% possession after the first 45 minutes with four shots–all on target. Chelsea have 5 and 3.

Despite an absolute stunning goal from Christian Pulisic, Liverpool hang on in the second half for a 5-3 win. They go unbeaten at home for the season.

Here are Liverpool vs Chelsea player ratings for July 22 2020. 

Liverpool Starting XI vs Chelsea

Classy move by Klopp getting the soon-to-depart Adam Lallana in the line-up and potentially on the field. 

Liverpool Player Ratings 

Manager

Jurgen Klopp (6) – 

Will give Klopp credit, he keeps rolling with a near-best starting XI. Can he get the lads motivated properly and focused for 90 minutes? And can he tactically break down Lampard going with a back 3?

Still hasn’t figured out how to get the squad to give full intensity for 90 minutes, but all good. We won the game and the league. 

Goalkeeper

Alisson (6) –

Actually made a great reflex save on the Chelsea goal right before half, just got some unlucky spin. Can’t put any of the goals on him. 

Defenders

Trent Alexander-Arnold (8) –

Quiet until a thunderous free-kick for a goal. Wow. That was stupid. So good. 

His assist on the Bobby goal was breathtaking. The second the cross left his foot you KNEW it was finding Firmino’s head and going in. Wonderful.

Virgil van Dijk (4) –

VVD needs to stop with the casual nonsense, starting today. Very casual effort on an aerial allows Mount to get a head on a ball that he’d usually clear. Long balls are sloppy. Poor defending on the Pulisic stunner. Enough already.

Joe Gomez (5) – 

Getting bullied by Giroud. Earns another yellow. Doesn’t see much of the ball.

Andy Robertson (8) – 

Unlike his backline mates, his effort is never an issue. Driving offensively, active and effective defensively. His booming run up the flank for the 5th goal and cross in was classic Robbo. All desire. Sees the most of the ball today.

Midfielders

The Looks Great in Training Naby Keita^TM (8) –

Come on, Naby. Don’t be like “fetch.” Let’s actually happen. 

Always looks good driving, but it’s the decision-making / effectiveness after the drive that’s an issue. 

And then…

NABY KEITA!!!

Powerful drive and a ridiculous gorgeous laces strike from outside the box that gives Liverpool the lead. 

Comes off for Curtis Jones after 66 minutes. Among his best games as a Red. Four tackles to go along with his stunner. 

Gini Wijnaldum (7) –

Active and linking up well. Thunderous volley to put Liverpool up 3-0. Good all around effort. Comes off for Milner. 

Fabinho (5) –

Looks flat. Walking a lot. Best pass of the day was a body shot at the ref. Should’ve managed Pulisic better on Chelsea’s second goal. Not sure why he got to play the whole match–should’ve been pulled late for Lallana. 

Forwards

Mo Salah (7) –

If Liverpool win, expect Salah to be the reason why. He’s been hungry for goals and his effort has been great. The end product hasn’t totally been there of late.

Passing is flat but he’s driving into the penalty area at least. Misses a good chance with a smart run on a corner in the 53rd minute, but scuffs it. Comes off in the 79th for Ox. Deserved a goal. 

Sadio Mane (6.5) –

Wonderful balance in 37th minute to stay upright and earn a free-kick that TAA buries. Least impactful overall of the front 3 today.

Roberto Firmino (7.5) –

Hasn’t scored a league game at Anfield all season, which is nuts. Looks to have lost some confident in his shot. Won’t pull the trigger. Linking up well though. Some nice flicks. But needs to pull the trigger. Opportunity in the 29th minute but simply goes for the pass. 

Then…scores! Buries a fantastic header off a perfect TAA ball in to break his scoreless streak and put the Reds up 4-1. 

Smartly dummies the Ox goal. Comes off late for Minamino.

Substitutions

James Milner (6) – On for Gini in the 66th. Works hard.

Curtis Jones (6) – Soon to take the 17 shirt next season. On for Keita at the 66 minute mark. This fifth appearance earns Jones a Premier League winner’s medal.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (7) – Comes on for Salah in the 79th. Great first time finish on the 5th goal. 

Takumi Minamino (NR) – On for Bobby in the 87th. 

Divock Origi (NR) – On for Mane in the 88th. 

MAN OF THE MATCH

Tough one to give out–lots of deserving offensive players. We’ll go with Trent Alexander-Arnold for the stunning goal and assist.