Chelsea are not ready to compete to silverware this season and it was clear from the Blues’ lukewarm performance against a resurgent Liverpool team at Anfield, on Sunday.
Liverpool youngster Curtis Jones struck the dagger in the 51st minute after Nicolas Jackson (48′) had pulled Chelsea level, cancelling out Mohamed Salah’s (29′) penalty.
Enzo Maresca’s side looked clumsy and hesitant in the final third; showing none of the effectiveness that characterized their 7-game unbeaten streak.
Against the early Premier League leaders, Chelsea weren’t second best for a long stretch, but the game play didn’t click – and it would have been frustrating for the Italian.
Enzo Maresca applauds the travelling fans at the final whistle of the Premier League match against Liverpool. (Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images)
The result will set Chelsea back, albeit they’ll welcome the return of Marc Cucurella who didn’t make the trip to Merseyside due to a suspension.
Chelsea will return to league action against Newcastle United after their Europa Conference League trip to Greece against Panathinaikos.
