Far too many Liverpool players were limp in their late-blooming 2–1 defeat by Chelsea, a result that condemned them to a third-straight loss. Here’s a complete breakdown of player performance and main takeaways from the game:
Liverpool Player Ratings
Giorgi Mamardashvili – 6/10
The big Georgian made his Premier League debut, showing solid shot-stopping with two crucial saves. On the ball, he isn’t at Alisson’s level, and his left-footed distribution caught teammates off guard. Considering a debut and a constantly shuffled back four, he did well.
Conor Bradley – 4/10
Bradley missed another chance to stake a claim as first-choice right-back. Alejandro Garnacho continued to run rings around him and an early yellow card saw him substituted at the break.
Ibrahima Konate – 5/10
Konate’s start to the season remains concerning. He made a vital intervention blocking Pedro Neto but was generally slow and erratic. An early second-half injury forced his exit.
Virgil van Dijk – 5/10
Even Van Dijk looked below his world-class standards. He backed off for Caicedo’s opener and was beaten too easily by Neto early on.
Milos Kerkez – 5/10
The left-back is still adjusting to Liverpool life. Frustrating both defensively and offensively, he should have done better on an easy cross to Salah. Replaced shortly after halftime.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6/10
Dropped into defence to salvage the game, Gravenberch made a key clearance but was too high up for Chelsea’s opener. His new role is puzzling and limits his effectiveness.
Alexis Mac Allister – 5/10
Off the pace, Mac Allister struggled to control midfield and committed errors leading to Chelsea’s opener. Substituted late.
Dominik Szoboszlai – 7/10
The Dutchman was Liverpool’s most effective player, half in midfield and half in defence. Not awarded a goal and subsequently relocated to right-back, he continued to make chances if not contributions that were more central.
Mohamed Salah – 4/10
Peripheral throughout, Salah struggled against Cucurella. His finishing was poor, and he lost pace compared to previous seasons, though he contributed to Gakpo’s equaliser.
Cody Gakpo – 6/10
Gakpo scored a key equaliser but decision-making remained poor, especially in late moments.
Alexander Isak – 5/10
Still not sharp, Isak’s movement was promising but inconsistent. Assisted Gakpo’s goal with a lucky touch.
Subs:
- Filip Jorgensen – 5/10
- Tosin Adarabioyo – 5/10
- Andrey Santos – 5/10
- Malo Gusto – 5/10
Author’s Opinion
Liverpool’s struggles continue, with inconsistent performances and poor defensive coordination costing them again. Szoboszlai was a revelation, but too few of his teammates were difference makers. Composure, opportunism lead Chelsea to late winner Liverpool must solve tactical clarity, squading rotation and attacking sharpness before the next games after a spot of bad luck at Chelsea.
