The Blues leave Anfield confident of title credentials as Liverpool fail to break down resilient 10-men after Reece James red card, says Gary Neville
European champions Chelsea dug deep to stage a defensive masterclass as Thomas Tuchel’s side ensured their unbeaten start to the season was not compromised by the contentious dismissal of Reece James for handball in the time of stoppage of the first half at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah scored the resulting penalty, but Chelsea channeled their anger and frustration over the decision into a superb second-half defensive display which Neville says will inspire confidence in his title challenge and leave Liverpool with doubts.
“It was an absolutely brilliant game,” said Neville Sky sports. “Before the game we thought it would be a much tougher test for Chelsea than for Arsenal, but they will leave Anfield confident.
They played well in the first half and managed Liverpool, who were playing very well, but the resilience they showed in the second half is what we associate with the league-winning teams. They are far from that, but they showed it qualities. “
Neville added: “Liverpool will leave with some doubts that they can’t go and punish Chelsea in the second half. Liverpool thoroughly under Jurgen Klopp would have left and won this game a few years ago.”
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