OPINION
Liverpool’s 100% winning record in the Premier League came to an end at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, but the Reds maintained their unbeaten start with a 1-1 draw.
Yet another sumptuous Eden Hazard strike put the hosts in front, but a simply stunning, curled equaliser from former Blue Daniel Sturridge earned Liverpool a share of the spoils.
In truth it was no less than Jurgen Klopp’s team deserved for the part they played in an engrossing contest, and emerging with a point from West London is never a bid thing, particularly with the form Maurizio Sarri’s side have been in this season.
Here, Live 4 Liverpool has gathered three things to be learned from the game.
Sturridge may prove to be key man in title bid
It’s often said that squads, not teams, win titles, and Sturridge could yet prove that adage correct this season. The former Chelsea man isn’t the first name on Klopp’s team sheet, but through his own hard work this pre season he has managed to carve out a pivotal role for himself this term.
He won’t be particularly happy as an understudy, but he has shown already this campaign that he is the man to turn to if Liverpool’s usually-electric front three aren’t firing. He demonstrated that fact again on Saturday with a tremendous equalising goal.
The England international could prove to be the difference between success and failure in Liverpool’s title bid, and he’s scored a number of important goals already this season. He certainly seems to be back to his best, that’s for sure.
More problems for Salah
It doesn’t quite seem to be clicking for Mohamed Salah in his second season at Anfield. The 60-cap Egypt international was the best player in the land last time out, but he has undoubtedly struggled in the early stages of this campaign.
His second half substitution, something that never would have occurred in this situation a year ago, was met with a bemused look from the 26-year-old, but he only had himself to blame yesterday.
Sarah simply wasn’t firing on all cylinders and it continued a fairly pedestrian start from the Egyptian. The situation isn’t critical, but Klopp needs his star man back to his best for the long, hard season ahead.
And, while it might seem like a bizarre thing to say, maybe he needs dropping for a game to get his head back.
Robertson worth his weight in gold
Andrew Robertson is an absolute diamond of a left back. The Scotland captain, on a reported £50,000-per-week at Anfield [Source: Spotrac], once again underlined his importance to Klopp’s team on Saturday with a virtuoso performance.
The former Hull City man was a constant threat down the left hand side, and somehow saw substitute Xherdan Shaqiri fail to convert his wickedly inviting second half cross. The 24-year-old is such a key member of this Liverpool team now, and that was demonstrated again at Stamford Bridge.
Equally adept defending as he is going forward, Robertson is in essence the perfect full back. He is mightily disciplined and never shirks a task. In short: he is vital to everything that Klopp is doing on Merseyside.
