Liverpool’s winning streak to open the season came to an end with a 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup. Both sides made substantial changes but it was the Londoners who seemed to deal with them better.
Positives
Xherdan Shaqiri had another fine game and the Reds have at least avoided extra fixture turmoil this autumn.
Negatives
Too many changes robbed Liverpool of their usual fluidity and rhythm while the absence of Virgil van Dijk saw their set-piece frailty return.
Manager rating (out of 10)
6 — Jurgen Klopp’s squad-building paid off with a strong XI despite so many changes. That amount of upheaval didn’t seem to come with a suitable plan, however, unlike the visitors, who marginally deserved their win.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Simon Mignolet, 6 — Nothing he could do with either goal and even thwarted Chelsea on a few occasions. Managed to kick clear despite being put under needless pressure from his defenders at times.
DF Nathaniel Clyne, 5 — Solid, efficient and stable. In short, all the usual adjectives to describe him. There was also a chronic lack of any threat going forward, which is why he’ll play little meaningful part by choice in the rest of the season now the Carabao Cup is out of reach.
DF Joel Matip, 6 — At least tried to defend more forcefully at times but was often caught out and Chelsea’s first goal emphasised how much aerial solidity van Dijk provides this team.
DF Dejan Lovren, 5 — A rusty return to club football. Wasn’t tested too much but seemed unnerved early on and never regained composure. Did nothing wrong but Liverpool’s grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory will reflect on his general lack of composure and discipline.
DF Alberto Moreno, 4 — Run ragged by Victor Moses, which isn’t something too many defenders want to endure. Probably the least likely of tonight’s players to ever win back a regular place before the match and on Wednesday night’s evidence, that isn’t going to change.
MF Fabinho, 5 — A quiet full debut. Always available for a pass but did little of note with the ball and couldn’t prevent Chelsea’s first-half domination of the midfield. Not an easy start for the Brazilian to life at Anfield.
MF James Milner, 6 — Seemed to be outnumbered in midfield and wasn’t his usual vibrant self. His booking was a sign of frustration and he was replaced after an hour.
MF Naby Keita, 6 — Had some neat touches on the left and a couple of good shots that were well-saved, one of which led to the goal. He was unfortunate to concede the free kick that led to Chelsea’s equaliser and even more unfortunate to be booked, but he stil
l doesn’t seem fully in tune with the English game yet. It’s still early for him, obviously, but he’ll be expected to find his feet soon.
FW Xherdan Shaqiri, 7 — Clearly Liverpool’s busiest player. A little bit greedy at times but linked well with other players and was always willing to try something different. Whatever Liverpool lacked tonight, it was through no fault of his.
FW Sadio Mane, 6 — Without two of his usual striking partners he looked out of sorts and unable to make much impression. One or two threatening runs to the byline could not impress Klopp enough to leave him out on the pitch.
FW Daniel Sturridge, 6 —Despite one or two clever bits of footwork, the backup striker was starved of service during a frustrating first half. Missed an absolute sitter seconds after the break but made amends by converting a far harder chance for Liverpool’s only goal on the night.
Substitutes
MF Jordan Henderson, 6 — Provided a little more authority than Milner but then lost his temper with the savvy Eden Hazard once his team fell behind. Not the sort of thing you want from your captain.
FW Roberto Firmino, 5 — Brought on for Mane, he did little of any consequence and found it hard to get involved in the game.
FW Mohamed Salah, NR — Brought on far too late as a result of Chelsea’s late winner. Needed more minutes to have the same kind of impact Hazard had.