Liverpool and Chelsea’s 1-1 draw at Anfield on Tuesday promised to be a fascinating tactical battle between two well organised sides, but ultimately was largely about energy and intensity rather than master strategy. Chelsea’s manager, Antonio Conte, will be delighted with the result, as it harms Liverpool’s chances of overhauling his side – and we may see this cagier, more defensive approach again against Arsenal on Saturday.
Liverpool, after three extremely sluggish performances and three damaging defeats, delivered the type of energetic display we became accustomed to in the first half of the campaign. With Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi omitted, Roberto Firmino led the line and started the defensive pressure, with his sharp sprints encouraging team-mates to back him up and force Chelsea into uncomfortable positions deep inside their own half.
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