Chelsea ended their six match losing run with a 1-1 draw against Liverpool in the Premier League, and Marc Cucurella's performance was magnificent.
Ryan Gravenberch's stunning strike gave the hosts an early lead, but the Blues showed the fight and desire that have been missing in recent months to get themselves back in the game.
Enzo Fernandez's long range free kick bypassed a sea of bodies and nestled into the bottom left corner to draw his side level in the 35th minute.
Enzo has been a driving force for Chelsea during a difficult period, and he wasn't the only one on the pitch at Anfield who impressed.
Marc Cucurella was exceptional against Liverpool
Chelsea entered their clash against Champions League-chasing Liverpool needing to stop the rot following six successive Premier League defeats.
That is why Calum McFarlane made a key tactical tweak that provided more defensive solidity and freedom in attack by switching to a three-man defence.
McFarlane ditched the wingers and instead deployed Cucurella as a wing-back, which proved an inspired decision.
Cucurella's performance levels have dropped recently as a natural left-back, but giving the Spaniard license to maraud forward and cause problems in attacking areas worked a treat.
The 27-year-old was a constant threat against the Reds, constantly running in behind and firing shots on goal, drawing a great save from Giorgi Mamadashvilli in the first half.
Liverpool's right side of Curtis Jones and Jeremie Frimpong couldn't live with his darting runs in behind and aggressiveness out of possession.
Cucurella's stats vs Liverpool |
|---|
90 minutes played |
2 accurate crosses |
21/23 (91% accurate passes) |
6 carries |
1 key pass |
1 shot on target |
The former Brighton man was an incredible outlet down the left wing, and being allowed to occupy space in the final third suited him down to the ground.
Calum McFarlane must persist with Cucurella on the wing
McFarlane deserves huge praise for changing the system, as he successfully nullified Liverpool's attacking threats while unlocking his own star talent.
Cole Palmer arguably had his best game for Chelsea in a while as a floating number 10 behind Joao Pedro, and Enzo's ability to unlock defences was pivotal.
The Argentine consistently found Cucurella with clipped passes in behind, as the Spaniard timed his runs to perfection and showed his teammates how to play on the wing.
Chelsea's wingers have all disappointed this season, most notably Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens, which is why McFarlane has to persist with this experiment in the FA Cup final against Man City.
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