Liverpool’s Premier League debut ended in a draw with Chelsea, but there were plenty of chances at both ends of the field.
Liverpool’s ability to both score goals and play solid defense have been hotly contested topics of discussion during the Jurgen Klopp era.
The discussion has been harshly centered on Trent Alexander-Arnold for the majority of the latter. The full-back has had his performances, contributions, and positions scrutinized.
When the inventive full-back moved forward in his position, Liverpool made the decision to use Jordan Henderson as a cover to avoid the issue. Later in the campaign, the then-Captain of the Reds even had to move into the defensive position when Alexander-Arnold filtered into the middle due to his hybrid role.
The 1-1 draw on Sunday left us with plenty to think about and both good and bad things to note. After a frenzied start from Liverpool, after taking the lead, Chelsea started to gain control of the game, and Klopp’s team appeared to be giving up chances left and right – a concern that carried over from their disastrous season from the previous year.
Liverpool faced a different issue at Stamford Bridge when Andy Robertson, who is always dependable, was in charge of traffic down the left side.
However, the Scotland captain was not at fault for the pressure from the Londoners.
Alexander-Arnold acknowledged that the Reds were caught off guard by the departure of Mauricio Pochettino. He said, “We expected them to come out as a back-three or back-five, whatever you want to call it, but they came out as a 4-3-3.
They pressed hard against us, making it difficult for us to play, but for the first 20 to 25 minutes, we performed admirably. However, for some reason, we were unable to maintain this performance, and they eventually took control of the game. I believe that we decided to accept the point. “.
Levi Colwill, Thiago Silva, and Axel Disasi made up Chelsea’s back three in their 3-4-2-1 formation, with Ben Chilwell and Reece James serving as the wingbacks. With Nicolas Jackson leading the line and Carney Chukwuemeka playing a more central role, Raheem Sterling was able to pick up passes in the pockets.
Robertson was left to alternate between marking the England international and keeping an eye on the movement of Chelsea captain James because Sterling was playing a more central role.
The system that had stretched Liverpool gave the Londoners joy. After slipping between Virgil Van Dijk and Robertson to make his Chelsea debut, Jackson’s shot was well blocked by Ibrahima Konate. The summer signing then blazed over from James’ cross.
Liverpool invited the hosts’ attacks after taking the lead, and the lack of cohesion within the Reds’ system contributed to this. Cody Gakpo started out in midfield during preseason training and also had brief stints there against Brentford and Aston Villa last season.
Liverpool had trouble switching from attack to defense because of their lack of fluidity. Robertson found it difficult to contain both James and Sterling, which presented a challenge.
Manchester City and perhaps Arsenal are two teams that might try to capitalize on Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge model by using similar formations.
Both Sheffield United and Luton Town used the same system on the opening day and might try to use it when Liverpool visits Bramall Lane and Kenilworth Road, respectively.
