Liverpool left frustrated as Chelsea end winless run with draw at Anfield

Chelsea likely believed the opening threat was behind them after their defensive wall stopped a free-kick by Dominik Szoboszlai, the Hungarian player targeting an impressive sixth direct free-kick strike of the campaign.

Yet the ball bounced out to Ryan Gravenberch, who produced an outstanding effort of his own, bending it into the upper corner from the edge of the area. A fine delivery from Marc Cucurella nearly sparked an instant comeback, however Virgil van Dijk nodded it clear amid the feet to avert the risk inside the six-yard box.

The Liverpool skipper then missed a prime opportunity to extend the lead at the opposite end, left unmarked at the back post from a Szoboszlai delivery, but his effort sailed high over the bar in typical defender fashion.

Cucurella posed a danger that could have punished that miss, prompting a few sharp stops from Giorgi Mamardashvili, and the growing pressure paid off just past the half-hour.

Enzo Fernández curled in a low free-kick, and it rolled straight into the net, though there was some question over whether it clipped the boot of Wesley Fofana.

The away team finished the first half on top, and Fernández ought to have secured his scoring spot for the match before the interval, only denied by a solid stop to keep the score even.

Chelsea appeared to edge ahead soon after the break, the danger arising again along Liverpool's right flank. However Cole Palmer's effort was ruled out following a VAR check, as Cucurella was deemed just offside in the buildup.

Next it was Liverpool's attempt disallowed by the linesman, with Cody Gakpo marginally beyond the defender before nodding it for Curtis Jones to finish.

Arne Slot drew unusual jeers from Anfield by pulling off Rio Ngumoha around the halfway point, bringing on big-money arrival Alexander Isak.

Regardless of the unrest, Liverpool started regaining command of the game, and only the upright stopped Szoboszlai from taking the lead, followed by the crossbar blocking Van Dijk. In the end, though, no team could secure the decisive goal, resulting in a frustrating outcome for both.

Chelsea hold a four-point margin above 13th position, which would represent their poorest Premier League ending, whereas the Reds must wait a further week to lock in Champions League action unless Bournemouth drop points against Fulham.