Liverpool vs Chelsea: How the battle between the two flawed teams ended in stalemate

As the 2025/26 Premier League season approaches its end, it’s now safe to say both Liverpool & Chelsea have performed way below expectations this campaign, especially after coming into this season as Premier League champions and Club World Cup champions respectively.

The weekend’s game at Anfield was a battle between two flawed teams going head to head. Two sides with lots of potential in personnel, but lacking some ingredients to enable them elevate to the next level to compete with the likes of Arsenal & Manchester City.

Liverpool, the home side, lined up in Slot’s customary 4-2-3-1 shape with Mamardashvili in goal in place of the injured Allison. Jones started at RB with Konate, Van Dijk & Kerkez completing the backline. Gravenberch and Mac Allister started as a midfield pivot, behind a front four of Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Ngumoha & Gakpo.

Chelsea lined up in a similar 4-2-3-1 shape with Jorgensen in goal in place of Sanchez. A back four of Hato, Colwill, Fofana & Gusto. Caicedo was partnered by Santos in the pivot, behind a quartet of Cucurella, Enzo, Palmer & Joao.