Premier League: Liverpool humiliates Chelsea and widens the gap at the top of the table

Following on from the reception of Burnley by Manchester City and the duel between Tottenham and Brentford beforehand, the 22nd day of the Premier League continued with a very attractive poster between Liverpool and Chelsea. Leader with 48 points and undefeated in the league for 14 games, the Mersey club presented itself in front of its audience with the firm ambition of distancing itself from its pursuers. But for the team led by Jürgen Klopp, who announced that he would give up his apron at the end of the current exercise last week, had to win against a Chelsea team stuck in the soft underbelly of the ranking with 31 points on the clock.

At the end of a great success against Norwich (5-2) in the 4th round of the FA Cup, Liverpool still came close to being penalized from the start. Behind Gallagher, van Dijk pushed his opponent in his own area. But despite the discontent of the London supporters, the referee allowed the game to continue after intervention by the VAR (7th). On the next action, Liverpool proceeded on the counterattack. Mc Allister combined with Nunez who struck hard with his right foot on Petrovic’s post (8th). Cornered in their own half and playing on the edge, Chelsea relied on the Serbian goalkeeper, decisive in front of Nunez, to keep themselves alive in the game. But overwhelmed in intensity, the Blues conceded the opener after a rapid counter-attack concluded in style by Jota (1-0, 23rd).

The Reds have gained strength, the Blues have foundered!

Determined to deal yet another blow to the morale of their opponent, Liverpool came close to scoring the break, Jones coming up against a heroic Petrovic on his line (30th). Abandoned by his defense, the last rampart of the lawns gave way a second time in this first act. Lonely on the right wing, the young Bradley received a deep pass from Diaz and took the time to cross his shot to score his first goal on the occasion of his second appearance with the Reds (2-0, 39th ). Despite a missed penalty by Nunez (45th+2), Liverpool returned to the locker room already with the feeling of duty accomplished. Back against the wall, Mauricio Pochettino made three changes to hope to turn the tide. Coming into play at half-time, Mudryk was launched into the area by Gusto but saw his shot end in the Anfield bays (50th).

Despite a real desire to move forward, Chelsea were surprised by a rapid transition from Liverpool. Alerted on the left wing, Bradley played with his opposite number and sent a precise cross towards Szoboszlai. Well placed, the Hungarian allowed Liverpool to take off on the scoreboard (3-0, 64th). If Jürgen Klopp decided to rest three of his starters, Liverpool was quick to give up, allowing Nkunku to reduce the score after a stint with Chukwuemeka (3-1, 71st). Despite a gap of a few minutes, Liverpool sounded the revolt. Unhappy so far in front of goal, Nunez excelled in his role as last passer by offering the goal of chaos to Diaz (4-1, 79th). Four days before going to challenge Arsenal, Liverpool are full of confidence thanks to their great success and above all take 4 points ahead of Manchester City, defeater of Burnley. In agony for almost the entire game, Chelsea fell back into their ways and temporarily remained in 10th place.