Chelsea player ratings: Loftus-Cheek shines, Hudson-Odoi fails to produce after well deserved start and Emerson exposed throughout

CHELSEA lost further ground on the Champions League race after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield this afternoon.

Despite a well organised defensive display in the first-half, a well worked opener for Sadio Mane to head home and a wonder strike by ex-Blue Mo Salah saw Liverpool return to top of the league.

A frustrating game for the Blues saw them deprived of goalscoring chances, with both good and bad individual performances

Here’s how SunSport rated and slated the performances of the Chelsea players

KEPA ARRIZABALAGA

Was tested with crosses and balls over the top early on but held well and was quick to react. Helpless for Sadio Mane’s opener and could not deal with the swerve on Mo Salah’s screamer. Almost gave away a goal towards the end as Mane went round him but the ball went out of play.

CESAR AZPILICUETA

Despite being drawn in centrally at times exposing his right hand side, he recovered well to close down Andrew Robertson and Mane in the first-half. Saw Henderson’s cross sail over his head for the opener after losing track of Mane.

DAVID LUIZ

Never looked too far out of position in the first-half tracking the runs of Roberto Firmnho, but could not carry that over in the second 45, feeling the need to commit and try and win the ball too often. 

ANTONIO RUDIGER

Substituted on 40 minutes for Andreas Christensen after falling injured. Had been part of a tight partnership with Luiz prior to coming off.

EMERSON

Caught out with the ball in behind him out of position and seemed to struggle with the movement of Mo Salah who squeezed past him to play up Henderson’s cross to Mane for the goal. Had a torrid afternoon at Anfield.

JORGINHO

Found himself not allowed too much space to find a killer pass and failed to intercept Henderson before he crossed for Mane’s opener. Was never able to start any Chelsea attacks from deep. 

RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK

Caused trouble with his powerful presence and linked up well with both Emerson and Willian. Looked to be Chelsea’s most creative player making things happen in midfield with driving runs and deft flicks. 

N’GOLO KANTE

Brilliantly covered ground defensively tirelessly working, but could not drive forward with the ball as much as previously shown this season. Showed his best work to close down Liverpool players. 

CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI

Finally got the start in a big game he deserved, but unfortunately could not threat like previously shown. Worked back at a better rate than he did against West Ham, but lacked a final product in crucial areas being subbed for Higuain .

EDEN HAZARD

Deployed from the start in his unfavoured No9 role, and was involved in a battle with Fabinho early on, had time to run through on goal but lacked support. Moved to left-wing when Higuain came on and hit the post with a one-on-one.

WILLIAN

Looked quick to react when a counter attack opportunity arose but let himself down with the final product. Shy of picking up the ball and running at the Liverpool defence throughout the second-half. 

SUBS

ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN

Covered Emerson’s left hand side well after the full-back repeatedly left gaping holes. Looked more comfortable on the ball, an area he has struggled with before.

GONZALO HIGUAIN

Brought on for Hudson-Odoi to allow Hazard back out wide, and the Argentine looked to get involved with build-up play but still looks off the mark and only happy to play high up. Never looked like getting space to get a shot off.

ROSS BARKLEY

Bizarrely replaced Loftus-Cheek, the Blues best player on the day, did not have enough time to make a difference as he played the ball safely around the midfield.