Chelsea player ratings vs Liverpool: Silva, Christensen and Rudiger star in defensive clinic

 

Edouard Mendy

Since the appointment of Thomas Tuchel in January, there have been several games in which the Senegal international has been a virtual bystander. This wasn't one of those games.

Throughout the 90 minutes, Mendy was kept busy but he stood up to most of what Liverpool had to offer. He had no chance with the penalty converted by Mohamed Salah, however. 8

Cesar Azpilicueta

Chelsea's most experienced defender was needed throughout the first half; one clearance denied Sadio Mane an easy finish. Azpilicueta also led the rage towards Anthony Taylor after Reece James' red card.

The Spaniard played at right wing-back in the second period and defended well against Mane and closed off any space between himself and Andreas Christensen. 8

In the middle of the back three or on its right, Christensen didn't put a foot wrong. He stepped in when required, got his body in the way when needed, and was composed on the ball. He's become vital. 9

Antonio Rudiger

There were times in the opening period that Rudiger was slack with his passing. Defensively, though, he was switched on against the threat of former Roma teammate Salah.

The backs-to-the-wall approach Chelsea inevitably played with in the second half meant Rudiger's strengths came to the fore. He handled Salah well and didn't let any Liverpool attacker get beyond him. 8

Reece James

It's not easy to judge the academy graduate's display. He had trouble in the early stages keeping track of Mane but delivered the corner from which Kai Havertz headed home. Then came his red card.

There was no intention on the part of James to handle the ball on the line from Mane's shot, but it resulted in his dismissal and a Liverpool penalty that swung the balance of the game. 5

Chelsea player ratings vs Liverpool: Silva, Christensen and Rudiger star in defensive clinic