10-man Chelsea bully Liverpool to earn a point at Anfield

Chelsea players celebrate a goal against Liverpool at Anfield

Chelsea thwarted Liverpool in a fast-paced Anfield encounter, earning a point despite being down to 10 men following Reece James' first-half dismissal.

Liverpool pressed fervently throughout the match against two Premier League giants who are expected to challenge for the crown this season, but the Champions League winners were brilliantly organised and will be happy with the draw.

Liverpool started at a breakneck tempo, but Chelsea maintained their composure and seized the lead in the 22nd minute when Kai Havertz delivered an angled glancing header beyond Alisson's reach from James' corner in front of the Kop.

Mason Mount squandered a great chance to extend Chelsea's lead in the closing stages of the first half.

Liverpool were given a penalty after a goalmouth scramble in which Joel Matip struck the crossbar and James blocked Sadio Mane's attempt with his arm. After checking VAR, referee Anthony Taylor granted the spot-kick, adding insult to injury for Chelsea by giving the defender a straight red card.

Mohamed Salah blasted home the penalty to spark a Liverpool siege in the second half, but Chelsea were more than up to the task.

The Blues, who were without N'Golo Kante due to injury, introduced Thiago Silva and Mateo Kovacic and held the hosts at bay with a brilliant defensive showing, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy impressing with saves from Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho, while Diogo Jota also came close with a headed chance.

🧤 @ChelseaFC goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made 6 saves at Anfield, his most in a single #PL appearance since joining the Blues#LIVCHE pic.twitter.com/0GGkLhIIor
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 28, 2021