Liverpool drew 0-0 with Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday afternoon, and the point scored left the Reds in eighth place in the Premier League.
Kai Havertz’s uncounted goal in the first half was about as eventful as the situation in front of goal, and neither side deserved three points.
In truth, neither side could take much out of a match that lacked any real quality from the start.
However, here we analyze three pluses and three minuses from the point of view of the reds.
POSITIVE – 2 clean sheets on the rebound
Given that this is a Liverpool team that conceded eight goals in three league games against Brentford, Wolves and Brighton earlier this month, you have to be brave given the fact that they managed to hold off Wolves and Chelsea in the last two matches.
At the post-match press conference, Jurgen Klopp answered a question on this topic with a broad smile.
“Grandiose,” he said when asked about the importance of two consecutive dry matches.
“Right after the game, you can’t forget the moments they had, and tomorrow I won’t remember them anymore. It’s just a blank slate, and it’s really good.”
After that defeat against Brighton, the Liverpool boss emphasized that his team became more “compact” and reliable in defense.
In this regard, perhaps it was another step in the right direction. Now the task is to ensure the preservation of strength.
NEGATIVE – is it time to worry about Salah?
Isn’t it time to start questioning the contribution of the one who last summer became the highest paid player in the history of the club? One could, of course, argue that Liverpool now need more from Mohamed Salah.
Even off form, Salah is better than most attacking players, but he's way off it at the moment.
Don't think he's been the same since AFCON last Jan, whether it be his decision-making, finishing or general influence.
Not being helped with poor service, but still merits criticism.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) January 22, 2023
The Egyptian has scored twice since the Reds’ season resumed in December, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain became the only Liverpool player to score in any of the last four league matches.
Here, Salah has never seen a threat against Chelsea’s defence, which has struggled in recent weeks. Now he has played three consecutive matches without a shot on target. The last time this happened was in April 2022.
At a time when the Reds are clearly struggling all over the field, they need more from their mascot.
POSITIVELY – The first of many matches for Baysetic
After an outstanding performance against Wolverhampton in midweek, it was nice to see Klopp give Stefan Bajcetic another opportunity at the heart of the midfield against Chelsea.
Of course, it was not the easiest and most beautiful game, but the Spaniard did himself no harm.
As toothless as Liverpool were there, thought Bajcetic did well again – especially playing with a yellow for much of the game. Back-to-back clean sheets and the midfield not getting sliced open anywhere near as often with an 18-year-old at DM.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) January 21, 2023
The boss spoke enthusiastically about Baisetic before and after the game, which is perhaps a sign that he will be in line for new league starts in the coming weeks.
In truth, the midfield didn’t give much away, but it must be said that it looked more cohesive than the trio of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago in recent weeks.
And despite the fact that Liverpool now have a few days to prepare for the FA Cup match in Brighton, not many fans are demanding that Fabinho return to the team before Baisetic.
NEGATIVE – disturbing lack of ideas
You have to admit it’s sad to see how far off the pace this Liverpool team is at the moment, given the position they were in less than 12 months ago.
As the 0-0 draw went on, it was as boring as possible and the Reds more than played their part in a game that was played at a very low level.
After Harvey Elliott’s impressive performance on the right flank of Liverpool’s attack on Wolverhampton, you have to wonder why Klopp opted for his left flank in this game. The solution would certainly be to use Elliott on the right, Cody Gakpo on the opposite side and Salah in the middle.
Watching Liverpool just lump the ball into the box feels so wrong.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) January 21, 2023
After the game, Klopp insisted that this performance was a “small step” in the right direction. This, in any case, shows how far this team has fallen, given the fact that they were at home compared to the team that currently occupies 10th place in the standings.
POSITIVE – Nunes is back
If he had been in full form, there is no doubt that Darwin Nunez would have started this game, given how little Liverpool’s attack currently offers.
A rough diamond, yes, but the Uruguayan is certainly making progress, and he did it again in his 30-minute cameo off the bench at Anfield on Saturday.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Elliott and Fabio Carvalho have been asked to replace the striker in the absence of Nunez, but Klopp is undoubtedly now hoping to give the attacking trio of Salah, Gakpo and Nunez a longer run of matches.
NEGATIVE – There is still no Gakpo goal
Liverpool’s January addition has certainly arrived at the club at the wrong time and you feel he will benefit enormously from his first goal for the club.
Lined up again in the relatively unfamiliar role of No. 9, Gakpo seized on two opportunities in the first half and tested Kepa Arrisabalaga after connecting with Nunez in the second half.
Klopp will be hoping the Dutchman benefits from Nunez’s return to form, and perhaps next week in Brighton he will return to his more comfortable attacking role on the left flank.
