Salah poses question
The defence wasn’t the only department given a drastic overhaul by Jurgen Klopp at Stamford Bridge.
In attack, Liverpool reverted to the tried and trusted with a three-pronged forward line in which Roberto Firmino returned down the middle and Darwin Nunez on the left.
The major call, though, was dropping Mohamed Salah to the bench.
There was no doubt a mixed message in responding to the dismal Manchester City reverse by jettisoning one of the few Reds players to approach their level that afternoon, the first time Salah had failed to start a Premier League game this season.
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But, whatever the combination, something remains awry in an attack that has now failed to score in seven away Premier League games this term.
Nunez, after a fitful first half on the left, at least came to life after the break, although Firmino too often had to drop deep to gain possession while right wing is not Diogo Jota’s favoured position. Salah, on his inclusion, was horribly isolated, although Cody Gakpo at least put himself about.
With 11 of Liverpool’s 17 games this year having been on the road, the lack of goal threat away from Anfield goes some way to explaining why only five have been won. That cannot go on much longer.
Jones offers midfield hope
Among the many, many questions regarding the Liverpool midfield this season, a recurring poser has been asked about one player in particular.
Just where is Curtis Jones?
Before the trip to Stamford Bridge, the 21-year-old had started just one Premier League all season – and that was because Thiago Alcantara was forced to withdraw at the last minute at Nottingham Forest back in October with an ear infection.
Indeed, Jones failed to make the matchday squad in five of the previous seven top-flight games, having fallen behind fellow youngsters Stefan Bajcetic and Harvey Elliott in the pecking order.
Untimely injury hasn’t helped. However, no matter how desperate matters have become in the engine room, Jones has continually been overlooked.
Not here, though, with the Scouser keen to make an impression on only his 13th outing of the campaign, 10 of which have come from the bench. It was perhaps reward for having caught the eye for England under-21s during the international break.
Jones gave the performance of someone determined to make up for lost time, regularly seeking possession, getting stuck in, diligent in his defensive work and, crucially, possessing the legs to also make a contribution in the final third before inevitably tiring after an hour.
There was sufficient to indicate he shouldn’t be cast aside so readily again this term.
Time for action on chants
Liverpool and Chelsea will forever be chalk and cheese, diametrically opposed in geography and demographic. It adds to the obvious edge this fixture has acquired during the past two decades as the two clubs tussle for honours both at home and abroad.
As ever, the banter flowed back and forth here, the away end responding to the inevitable Steven Gerrard jibes from the home faithful with songs relating to the apparent political leanings of many wearing blue inside the stadium.
Chants of “Sign on”, as were heard from the home end, are more spectacularly misguided than ever given the cost of living crisis that has gripped every social class across the country in recent times.
And the line was soon crossed as some Chelsea fans – similar to those inside the Etihad on Saturday – let themselves down with crass chants referencing the disasters of Hillsborough and Heysel.
The London club, to their credit, were swift to issue a statement condemning the songs. But the sheer regularity at which they are being sung without censure suggests greater punishment is now needed. Words aren't enough. Actions are required.
Using tragedies to score points over rivals has always been abhorrent. Now it’s up the authorities to put in place a framework that ensures they are phased out – for good.
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