Liverpool vs Chelsea: Post-match tactical analysis

Chelsea's tactical approach centred around controlling the game, producing a solid and composed performance at Anfield. However, despite their valiant efforts, Liverpool edged out a narrow 2-1 victory, leaving the Blues to return to west London without any tangible reward for their hard work. This game was a tactical battle between two new managers, each of whom implemented their systems to great effect. Though Chelsea could not secure the points, they left with their heads held high, demonstrating a cohesive and disciplined display.

Enzo Maresca's starting line-up took many by surprise. Reece James and Romeo Lavia were both included despite just returning from lengthy injury layoffs. Malo Gusto slotted in at left-back over Renato Veiga, while Marc Cucurella missed out due to suspension. Additionally, Enzo Fernandez was unexpectedly left on the bench.

Liverpool, on the other hand, opted to rest Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz, starting Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo instead. Structurally, both teams set up as expected, but the way the game unfolded was far from what most had anticipated.

Chelsea's Tactical Approach: Possession and Control

Right from the outset, Chelsea made their intentions clear - they wanted to dictate the tempo of the game. Maresca set up his side in a 3-2-5 in possession, while Liverpool responded with a 4-2-4 out of possession. Surprisingly, the Blues managed to assert control, especially in the early phases.

There were two primary reasons for this: Chelsea didn’t rush through the thirds; they retained possession, keeping things patient and measured. Liverpool did not engage in a high press after settling into their mid-block structure.

Slot’s decision to stay off the high press seemed deliberate. In my opinion, he likely wanted to avoid dangerous turnovers in Liverpool’s half, respect Chelsea's ability to break through high presses, and limit Chelsea’s chances in transition while positioning his team to strike on the counter.

Liverpool thrives in chaotic game states, something instilled by Jurgen Klopp. Maresca, aware of this, was determined to control the ball and manage the tempo to avoid Liverpool capitalizing on moments of disorder. However, during the brief chaotic phases that did emerge, Liverpool always looked threatening, showing why they're dangerous in such situations.

Chelsea’s main objective was to break through Liverpool’s defensive structure through various means: Playing through Liverpool’s press, finding the No. 8s in the half-spaces, direct switches to the wingers to initiate one-versus-one duels with the opposition full-backs, long balls over the top of the defense, incisive passes through the structure, targeting either a forward’s feet or runs behind the backline, and half-space crosses or crosses from the flanks when Liverpool were pinned back.

However, the latter two routes, involving crosses, were not ideal. Liverpool’s centre-backs, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, are dominant aerially, making these options less effective. The most effective way to break Liverpool down would have been to target their mid-block structure.

Chelsea's Struggles in Chance Creation

Despite their control, the Blues struggled to generate high-quality chances. This was largely due to Liverpool’s defensive solidity, as they entered the match with the best defensive record in the league. Chelsea managed an xG of just 0.93, with 0.29 coming from Nicolas Jackson's goal. They only had two shots on target from 12 attempts, further highlighting their issues in front of goal.

Chelsea’s best attacking moment came with their equalizing goal, a sequence we've seen before. Moises Caicedo, finding space in the middle, threaded a perfect pass through to Jackson, who timed his run perfectly to score. It was a well-orchestrated move and a tactic Chelsea attempted multiple times during the game.

Chelsea’s Defensive Pressing

When out of possession, Chelsea employed a brave man-to-man pressing system, which worked well for the most part. Jackson and Palmer marked Liverpool’s centre-backs, Madueke and Sancho pressed the full-backs, and Lavia and Caicedo took care of Gravenberch and Jones. This pressing system limited Liverpool’s short build-ups and forced them to play long balls, which Chelsea handled well.

However, this man-to-man approach did leave Chelsea vulnerable to simple dribbles past individual players. Liverpool, particularly through Gravenberch, exploited these moments. In fact, this system contributed, in part, to the sequence leading to Liverpool's first penalty, although it was more a result of minor defensive errors.

Key Liverpool Threats: Jones and Fluidity in Possession

Liverpool’s Jones played a crucial role, often roaming into pockets of space to create dilemmas for Chelsea’s structure. His positioning during short build-ups helped Liverpool bypass Chelsea’s man-to-man press. Jones’ movement, combined with Liverpool’s fluid possession shape, disrupted Chelsea’s defensive lines on several occasions.

For their second goal, Jones’ intelligent positioning once again came into play. Caicedo lost track of him, and with no one marking him, Jones made an untracked run into the box to score. It was a lapse in defensive awareness from Chelsea that proved costly.

Maresca’s substitutions were proactive once again. Neto replaced Sancho, who had struggled, while Fernandez and Veiga came on for Lavia and James due to fitness concerns. Although Enzo initially played as a deep-lying playmaker, he was soon pushed forward, with Veiga slotting into left centre-back. The final change saw Nkunku replace Madueke, with Nkunku shifting to the left and Neto moving to the right. Despite these tactical adjustments and late probing, Chelsea couldn’t find another breakthrough.

Final Thoughts

This game was a tactical masterclass from both managers. Chelsea focused on controlling possession, while Liverpool emphasized controlling the game out of possession. In the end, the Reds secured victory by the finest of margins. Chelsea may have lost, but their performance was commendable, and Maresca’s tactical approach was arguably his most impressive display so far.

With their heads held high, Chelsea now turn their attention to their next challenge: Panathinaikos away in the Conference League.