Liverpool 1, Chelsea 1: First Thoughts

Liverpool 1 Salah 64’ Chelsea 1 Willian 84’

• PRE-MATCH: A lot of changes in the line up for Liverpool. No Lovren in the team, but do I spy Adam Lallana on the bench?
• Liverpool enjoy some sustained possession, but it doesn’t lead to a shot on target. It ends with a long-range shot from Salah that sailed over the bar.
• It’s going to take patience to break down this impressive Chelsea defense, but Liverpool are probing without over-committing themselves and leaving their back line open to the fast break. They look like the team most likely to score at the moment, but they need to capitalize before Chelsea find their feet.
• Chelsea come close with a fast break. Hazard gets the shot off, but Mignolet makes an excellent save to put it out for a corner.
• Mignolet and his defense come up big in the next couple minutes as Chelsea scramble for a goal. Fear Liverpool may come to regret not taking advantage of their earlier dominance.
• Entertaining first half so far, but it was Chelsea who came closest to scoring, with Liverpool barely being able to keep it out.
• HALFTIME: Salah looked good, Milner did not. Sturridge’s runs never panned out. The defense has done their part so far. Mignolet is having a good game. Expect to see some big subs second half.
• Effectively timed it so I was walking back into the living room with my Thanksgiving leftovers as soon as the restart began.
• Liverpool doing almost-but-not-quite enough as this second half begins. They finally get their first shot on goal and waste a few good set piece opportunities, then very nearly concede on the break. Expect to see a few substitutions here soon. Surely James Milner will be the first person to go?
• Sturridge gets a shot off in the 18 yard box, but it’s blocked full-on by Azpilicueta, who has to go off for treatment for his efforts.
• GOAL!!! Salah - 64’ - Who else but Mo Salah and Philippe Coutinho? Coutinho gets a poke on the ball, sending it straight through to Salah, who makes it count. He is ON FIRE. He does the classy no celebration against his old club. Seems like overkill for a club who didn’t seem to care for him much, but what the hell do I know about Salah’s personal feelings for Chelsea? Whatever. Mo Salah can do whatever he wants.
• Liverpool’s defense almost pulls a, well, a Liverpool’s defense, with a total shambles right in front of the goal for the second time this game. Again, they somehow survive the scramble.
• goal Willian - 84’ - The substitute makes one of his first touches of the ball count with a lofted ball into Mignolet’s net. Ugh.
• Adam Lallana and Sadio Mané both enter the game at 88’. Probably too little, too late. Definitely could have used Mané’s pace 15 minutes ago. It’s good to see Lallana back though.
• FINAL: Liverpool drop points in the last 10 minutes, news at 11. Same as it ever was, but at least Lallana is back, Moreno bounced back, and Salah remains magnificent.

We'll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today's game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven't already, join the community on the Liverpool Offside, where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.