Chelsea player ratings vs Liverpool: Is Robert Sanchez really good enough?! Goalkeeper struggles again while Cole Palmer fails to spark as Blues fall to Anfield defeat
Enzo Maresca's side gave a decent account of themselves on Merseyside, but players at either end of the pitch came up short in the end
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Chelsea suffered their second loss of the Premier League season as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at table-toppers Liverpool on Sunday.
The Blues started the brighter of the two sides but fell behind in the 29th minute after Mohamed Salah scored from the spot after Levi Colwill foolishly fouled Curtis Jones. Cody Gakpo then had a goal disallowed before Jones thought he had won his team another spot-kick, but goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was deemed to have got to the ball first before taking out the Liverpool midfielder.
Chelsea responded in fine fashion as Nicolas Jackson beat the offside trap to grab an equaliser three minutes into the second half. They were level for less than two minutes, however, as Jones flicked the ball by an unconvincing Sanchez following a superb cross from Salah.
As an increasingly tetchy game headed towards its conclusion, the visitors pushed for a goal, but Arne Slot’s team held on to stay top of the pile while Chelsea drop to sixth.
GOALÂ rates Chelsea’s players from Anfield…
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Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Robert Sanchez (4/10):
Looked shaky at inopportune moments and is not the assured shot-stopper Chelsea need if they really want to kick on. Didn’t commit enough for Liverpool’s second, either.
Reece James (7/10):
Despite being out for several months with a hamstring problem, it was plain to see the Chelsea captain’s quality on his first appearance of the season. Was caught out for Liverpool’s second, but this was still an encouraging return for the 24-year-old.
Tosin Adarabioyo (5/10):
Made an inauspicious start with a clumsy foul on Jota and never looked too convincing at the back.
Levi Colwill (6/10):
Made a rash challenge in his own box on Jones to concede a first-half penalty, but improved as the game wore on.
Malo Gusto (7/10):
Linked up nicely with Sancho on the left, but the right-footer is not as comfortable on that flank and it showed at times. Pulled off some good tackles and interceptions when switched to right-back.
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Getty Images SportMidfield
Romeo Lavia (8/10):
In only his second Premier League start since his £58 million ($74m) move in 2023, the Belgian looked coolness personified at Anfield. He won his duels and kept onto the ball beautifully.
Moises Caicedo (7/10):
Solid if unspectacular in midfield. His partnership with Lavia seemed more fruitful than with the Belgian’s replacement Fernandez.
Cole Palmer (5/10):
Was quiet for long periods, but then was a whisker away from an equaliser but couldn’t keep his shot down. Against the table-toppers, the Blues need a top-drawer performance from their talisman and he did not deliver.
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AFPAttack
Jadon Sancho (6/10):
Was perhaps unlucky not to win his side a penalty after a challenge by Alexander-Arnold. Looked lively but needs to provide a bit more substance to his style. Was hooked at half-time.
Nicolas Jackson (7/10):
Had a very quiet first half but exploded into the game with a perfectly-timed run and finish just after the break. Didn’t get many opportunities, in truth.
Noni Madueke (7/10):
Caused Robertson a number of problems with his pace and trickery and was Chelsea’s best outlet in the first half. Faded a bit in the second, but a positive performance nonetheless.
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AFPSubs & Manager
Pedro Neto (8/10):
His pace and explosiveness gave Liverpool’s defence a different look. A real bright spark off the bench.
Enzo Fernandez (5/10):
Not a lot went right for the Argentine when introduced in the second half.
Benoit Badiashile (7/10):
Looked a lot more solid at the back than Tosin
Renato Veiga (5/10):
Was a bit clumsy in his cameo.
Christopher Nkunku (5/10):
Offered precious little when brought on.
Enzo Maresca (7/10):
His team played some good stuff and were arguably the better side in the first half, but there are defensive frailties that need rectifying. His substitutes were quite hit and miss, too.
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