Super-sub Willian handed Chelsea a fortunate 1-1 draw at Anfield yesterday, after former Chelsea player Mo Salah had put Liverpool in front.
Willian needed just 144 seconds after coming on as a substitute to make the impact boss Antonio Conte was looking for, as his attempted cross sailed over the head of Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and into the far corner with only 5 minutes remaining.
It was only the 2nd goal Liverpool have conceded in 9 games at Anfield, but those two goals have cost them 4 points in two 1-1 draws.
Willian looks up to the gods as he celebrates his lucky goal
This season’s Premier League top scorer, Salah continued his fine form by coolly slotting his 10th goal of the campaign past Chelsea 'keeper Thibaut Courtois on 65 minutes.
And the former Chelsea man was almost the hero with a last-gasp strike from the edge of the box, which was brilliantly saved by Courtois.
But Liverpool, who remain 5th, will be rueing a missed opportunity to move level on points with the third-placed Chelsea after holding on until late and falling to a lucky goal.
Salah scores his 15th goal in all competitions this season
The visitors had the best of the first half, with Mignolet saving well from Eden Hazard and Davide Zappacosta either side of a brave dive at the feet of Danny Drinkwater, and Liverpool were fortunate to survive a goalmouth scramble on 24 minutes, when Gary Cahill missed his kick from six yards out.
Salah was Liverpool's main threat in the first half, and after a couple of half chances, he had his say shortly after the hour mark, when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain deflected Philippe Coutinho's pass into his path and he then slotted the ball home to give Liverpool the lead.
Salah put Liverpool ahead in the 65th minute
The goal seemed like it might be enough, as Alvaro Morata and Alonso spurned good opportunities. There was a big cheer when Adam Lallana came on as a late sub, but it was Chelsea’s sub, Willian, who made all the impact.
With Liverpool hoping to close out, the Brazilian looped a cross in, which caught Mignolet out and sailed right over him and into the back of the net. It was pure luck and Liverpool might count themselves unlucky, but they should have been home and dry anyway.
Antonio Conte still hasn't won against Liverpool
Antonio Conte, who is still looking for a win against Liverpool – the only team he hasn’t beaten as a manager seemed to be disappointed with the result. "I think we were unlucky, if you see the dynamic of their goal,” he said. “But at the same time I'm very happy to see a good reaction of my players. A great desire, a great will to fight, a great desire to not accept the result against Liverpool. We tried to win the game. We must be pleased despite the draw."
Klopp was disapointed in the manner of the draw
Jurgen Klopp was realistic but still disappointed in the result. "It was a good game, very intense game,” said the German. “Very difficult for us against a very strong Chelsea team with quite a different approach. Deep defending and then giving the ball to Eden Hazard...Everything was good until Willian crossed the ball, still most parts of the game were good but it doesn't feel as good."
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