Defending champions missed the chance to move closer to securing UEFA Champions League qualification after settling for a 1-1 draw against at Anfield on Saturday.
Chelsea came into the encounter under pressure following six straight Premier League defeats that had effectively ended their hopes of a top-five finish.
Liverpool made a bright start and took the lead in the sixth minute through Dutch midfielder , who curled a fine effort into the top corner after being set up by teenager Rio Ngumoha.
Despite the early setback, Chelsea gradually settled into the game and equalised 10 minutes before halftime. delivered a free-kick that evaded everyone in the box before sneaking into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili stranded.
Liverpool, weakened by the absence of key attacking players including , Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, struggled to create clear opportunities for much of the match. Alexander Isak was only fit enough to start on the bench.
Chelsea thought they had completed the comeback early in the second half when found the net, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside against Marc Cucurella during the buildup.
The hosts nearly snatched victory late on as struck the post with a powerful effort, while captain hit the crossbar with a header from a corner.
Frustration was evident among Liverpool supporters at full-time after another disappointing display. However, the Reds remain in a strong position for Champions League qualification, sitting seven points clear of sixth-placed Bournemouth with three games remaining.
Chelsea, meanwhile, can no longer mathematically finish in the top five but showed signs of improvement under interim manager ahead of next weekend’s FA Cup final against .
Liverpool manager also faced criticism from sections of the Anfield crowd, particularly over his decision to substitute Ngumoha during the match.
