“We’re beating ourselves” – Reds optimistic despite first-half deficit against Chelsea

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Liverpool were the architects of their own downfall in a frustrating first half against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Jurgen Klopp’s men typically threatened on the break throughout, but yet again struggled to supply the conviction in the final-third.

The absence of a clinical touch was punished in the 25th minute when Eden Hazard stroked home from the left-hand side after running onto Mateo Kovacic’s through ball.

It wasn’t so much Chelsea’s dominance that resulted in a lead heading into the interval, but more so the Reds’ own missed opportunities.

Mohamed Salah’s movement through the middle was excellent throughout, with the Egyptian cleverly splitting the hosts’ midfield and defence.

He could have drawn his side level when he rounded Kepa, only to see his eventual effort cleared off the line by Antonio Rudiger.

Both he and Trent Alexander-Arnold emerged as Liverpool’s most prominent source of attacking inspiration, isolating Marcos Alonso in a matchup they must continue to exploit in the second half.

Salah also missed a couple of opportunities to curl in from the edge of the box, whilst Sadio Mane was also guilty of squandering two good chances.

Though Chelsea look an ever-present threat on the break, Klopp’s men are a touch of class away from finding an equaliser.

Here’s what Reds had to say…

https://twitter.com/TheKopMagazine/status/1046086326213373953

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