Liverpool ensured their Premier League title celebrations started on the right note as they were made to work for all three points against a dogged Chelsea side, whose Champions League qualification hopes remain in the balance. At one point this looked like a routine Liverpool rout when Roberto Firmino made it 4-1 with his first Premier League home goal of the season, until Chelsea fought back to within one goal of the Reds to really put the pressure on. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored a fifth to ensure they ended on a high and Jurgen Klopp will have been delighted with the effort and determination of his players in a night to remember for the club. Here’s how the Liverpool players rated…
Alisson – 7
Made a fine stop to deny Willian but couldn’t do much about Olivier Giroud tapping the ball home from close range.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 9
Stellar performance from the right-back, who scored a stunning free-kick before setting up Roberto Firmino with a perfect cross from the right. Broke his assist record from last term, now has 13 on the board this season in the Premier League.
Virgil van Dijk – 7
Clashed with Joe Gomez for the third goal, did not cover himself in glory. Did nearly add a sixth at the back post in stoppage time.
Joe Gomez – 6
Finished the season strongly after a few ropey performances post lockdown and definitely Van Dijk’s long-term partner but was nutmegged by Christian Pulisic for Chelsea’s second and also bumped into Van Dijk for the third. Clumsy.
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Mohamed Salah – 6
Poor by his sky-high standards. Wasted several really good opening and was clearly frustrated at beign subbed off for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Roberto Firmino – 7
Finally got his Premier League goal at Anfield and it was a good one too, heading home to make it 4-1.
Substitues
Curtis Jones – 6
Must feel delighted that Klopp is now calling on him over several first team stars. Big future but didn’t get on the ball much but did play his part by dummying for the fifth goal.
James Milner – 6
Came on to sure things up for the final 25 minutes.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7
Helped Alexander-Arnold contain Marcos Alonso, who was a real outlet for Chelsea as they put the pressure on before scoring the all-important fifth.
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