Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers against Chelsea as Joe Gomez solid but duo squander chances

Liverpool players note winners and losers against Chelsea as Jurgen Klopp’s side work towards a decent tie with Joe Gomez but others miss their chances

STAMFORD BRIDGE, LONDON // Liverpool and Chelsea played out a goalless draw for the fourth time in as many encounters on Tuesday night.

Reece James thought he had given the hosts the lead midway through the first half when he stepped in from the edge of the box, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

And there was another for the Blues at the start of the second when the ball deflected off Kai Havertz’s arm.

Liverpool struggled to create big chances throughout the game and were perhaps lucky enough to score a point against a wasteful Chelsea playing their first game since Graham Potter was sacked.

WINNER

Joe Gomez – A solid outing for Gomez as he joined Trent Alexander-Arnold’s side. He will be pushing for more starts at the back there.

Virgil van Dijk – Missed the game through illness but despite his poor form a shaky performance from Matip could have secured his place.

LOSING

Kostas Tsimikas – He was drafted into the team to replace Andy Robertson but he didn’t really take his chance. He made a few mistakes and received a deserved yellow card before being substituted 25 minutes from time. Curtis Jones – A similar story. Mediocre, as too often in his career at Liverpool.

PLAYER RATINGS

Alisson Becker – 6/10

Alisson got close enough to Havertz to stifle his shot after Chilwell retired but then had an awkward moment when the German charged his clearance.

Joe Gomez – 6/10

Gomez played a short back pass that put Alisson in trouble, then tested Arrizabalaga with a surprise shot from long range. Dug the ball in as Chilwell tried to reduce Havertz.

Joel Matip — 5/10

You have faced some key challenges on Félix. He narrowly escaped a yellow card after hitting the Portuguese but was booked the next time he knocked him down. His conscience has failed him several times.

Ibrahim Konate — 5/10

After initially snagging his feet and failing to clear, he came back to clear a goal line as Kovačić rounded Alisson. Muscular of Kanté, which also provided a great chance for the Croatian in the second half. Missed the ball as he entered midfield before Havertz’s disallowed try.

Kostas Tsimikas – 4/10

Tsimikas got off to a poor start, twice giving low in front of big chances from Chelsea. After a terrible delivery, he asked Chelsea more questions with his next turns. Booked for attempting to trip Felix as he ran forward.

Jordan Henderson – 4/10

Attempted an ambitious lob after Arrizabalaga’s clearance fell to him but it was handled fairly easily. Seemed unhappy with his teammates’ decision-making in the first half. But little contributed.

Fabinho – 5/10

Fabinho seemed to foul his opponents because he couldn’t physically keep up with them. At the other end, he blocked a dangerous strike from Félix and nearly scored from a corner just before half-time, only a light touch from Fofana thwarting him.

Yellow card in the 74th minute after colliding with Felix and Chelsea wanted a second yellow card after collecting it soon after.

Curtis Jones-4/10

Jota slipped after a driving run but the striker couldn’t clear a shot away.

Had options in box trying to cross at start of second flank but couldn’t find any. Booked for complaining too aggressively when denied a free kick. Substituted in the 79th minute.

Diogo Jota – 5/10

Jota had a game opener late in the first half, but he tried to slice Cucurella inside instead of firing a shot and the luck was gone. Roberto Firmino – 6/10

Firmino produced some decent moves early on but faded as the game progressed. Replaced after 65 minutes.

Darwin Nunez – 5/10

His only notable efforts were speculative long-range shots, which Arrizabalaga comfortably saved. Struggled to build real openings when running the ball. Left with 12 minutes to go. ERSATZ

James Milner — N/A

Mohamed Salah — N/A