Hendrick: “Liverpool let Chelsea have the ball, but we controlled our own destiny” | OneFootball

Liverpool Edge Past Chelsea To Keep Title Challenge On Track

Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield saw Arne Slot’s men reclaim top spot in the Premier League, a key milestone in their early season campaign. Despite a tactical battle that sometimes felt subdued, the Reds demonstrated their ability to grind out results against a formidable opponent. In the latest episode of Post-Match RAW on Anfield Index, Hari Sethi, Dave Hendrick and Karl Matchett reflected on the game, praising Liverpool’s resolve and shedding light on some of the contentious decisions.

Liverpool Control Despite Chelsea’s Possession

Although Chelsea had more of the ball, Liverpool’s control of the game never felt in doubt, particularly for Dave Hendrick. He noted, “Yes, they’re having more of the ball, but they’re having it in their defensive third and middle third because we’re letting them. They had two shots on target—one is the goal, and the other is a very simple save for Kelleher.”

This control, despite not dominating possession, has become a hallmark of Slot’s Liverpool side. “It wasn’t the performance we would’ve liked,” admitted Hendrick. “But we got the result we needed.” His words underscored a shift in Liverpool’s approach under their new manager—a willingness to allow opponents possession in areas that aren’t threatening.

Chelsea’s Tactical Struggles

Chelsea came into this game with one of the league’s best attacks, but they struggled to break down Liverpool’s disciplined shape. Karl Matchett observed, “Chelsea did not reach 1.0 for their XG.” He explained that, while Chelsea attempted to dominate territory, they rarely troubled the Liverpool defence in significant ways. Matchett added, “They’ve been really controlled, attempting to be dominant, but without taking that next step.”

A lot of this comes down to the personnel. Chelsea’s midfield pairing of Moisés Caicedo and Romeo Lavia showed promise, but as Hendrick pointed out, “They’re both very, very good footballers, but I thought the two of them played quite well to give them their credit.”

Salah’s Penalty and Controversial Refereeing

The game’s major turning point came when Mohamed Salah smashed home a penalty in the first half after Levi Colwill fouled Curtis Jones. Despite protests, there was little doubt in the minds of the panel that it was a clear penalty. Salah’s ice-cool finishing under pressure gave Liverpool the lead, much to the frustration of Chelsea’s players and fans alike.

However, not all of referee John Brooks’ decisions were as clear-cut. His performance left the Post-Match RAW crew unimpressed, particularly during a controversial moment when a second Liverpool penalty was overturned by VAR. Hendrick didn’t hold back, calling it “one of the worst refereeing performances I’ve seen.”

Matchett chimed in with his own frustrations, saying, “If any outfield player puts the amount of contact on a goalkeeper that Sanchez did on Jones, the foul is always going against the outfield player.”

Photo: IMAGO

Resilience Defines Liverpool’s Performance

Despite the questionable officiating, Liverpool kept their composure. Even when Chelsea equalised early in the second half through Nicolas Jackson, the Reds responded swiftly. Curtis Jones latched onto a Mohamed Salah cross just minutes later, restoring Liverpool’s lead. Matchett highlighted the quick turnaround as a key factor: “The most important thing is how you respond… we just rocked them back straight away.”

Slot’s side showed the defensive solidity and quick transitions that are becoming a hallmark of his tenure. Even with the game descending into a more “bitty” affair, as Matchett put it, Liverpool maintained their focus and saw the game out.

Chelsea Struggled to Break Through

While Chelsea huffed and puffed, they never really looked like breaking through Liverpool’s defensive shape again. Hendrick was quick to point out, “It’s not like you’re coming away thinking Chelsea had loads of chances.”

In contrast, Liverpool could have added a third goal, with Darwin Nunez and Gakpo both having opportunities. The Reds’ defensive organisation, combined with their ability to strike quickly, kept Chelsea at bay. Nunez, in particular, had some feisty moments with Benoît Badiashile, but Liverpool’s control was never seriously threatened.

Liverpool’s victory over Chelsea was a hard-fought, tactically astute performance that showcased the resilience Arne Slot has instilled in his squad. Despite Chelsea’s possession, they rarely troubled a Liverpool side that controlled the game without the ball. With Salah and Jones combining to seal the points, and with a resolute defence in place, Liverpool proved once again why they are serious title contenders.