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Chelsea require more than just a new manager

Chelsea require more than just a new manager! Winners and losers as Kai Havertz and company again fluff their lines and Liverpool fall flat in a drab stalemate
Frenkie Tran
By: Frenkie Tran

A goalless draw was played out between two of the Premier League's top teams, highlighting their struggles this season. Despite Chelsea parting ways with Graham Potter and appointing a new manager, their inability to score goals remains a major concern. During their match against Liverpool, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic were the main offenders, indicating the need for a new central striker in the upcoming transfer window.

Liverpool, on the other hand, was fortunate to earn a point in west London, with Jurgen Klopp's rotated team failing to inspire confidence in their bid to qualify for European football next season. The Reds relied on goalkeeper Alisson Becker, and they remain in eighth place, while Chelsea sits in 11th, having played a game more. Betimate provides a detailed analysis of the winners and losers from the game at Stamford Bridge.

WINNER: N'Golo Kante

It is great to witness Kante's return, but it is even more delightful to see him in top form. Despite not starting a game since August, Kante displayed an outstanding performance against Liverpool. He relentlessly pressed the opposition and made critical tackles, while also leading his team forward with impressive ball-carrying runs. This game served as a timely reminder of Kante's significance to Chelsea, and it's unfortunate that Potter, the opposing team's manager, could not fully utilize him.


Kante displayed an outstanding performance against Liverpool

LOSER: Diogo Jota

When should we address Diogo's goal drought? His first anniversary with Portugal is approaching, and it's not a moment he'll be looking forward to. It's been twelve months since he scored, which is concerning for both Jota and Klopp, considering he's known for scoring important goals.


Jota has played in 32 games for Liverpool

Despite his injuries, Jota has played in 32 games for Liverpool, half of which he started. However, for some unknown reason, the killer instinct he displayed during his first 18 months at Anfield has vanished. This was apparent during the first half against Chelsea when Curtis Jones passed him the ball inside the penalty area, demanding a driven, first-time shot on his left foot, but Jota chose to cut back inside, allowing Marc Cucurella to tackle him.

He didn't have another chance, and he finished the game without a shot, having fewer touches than any Liverpool starter other than Darwin Nunez, who was later substituted. This isn't good news for Liverpool, but at least their next match is against Arsenal, a team that Jota has a great record. Sunday would be an excellent time for him to rediscover his scoring touch.

WINNER: Alisson Becker

Liverpool can be grateful for having the best goalkeeper in the Premier League; otherwise, they might be struggling in a relegation battle. This may sound exaggerated, but there is no denying that Alisson has been a vital asset for the Reds this season. While the rest of the team has been underperforming, the Brazilian has been the lone standout player in a season of serious regression.


It must be frustrating for Alisson to see what is happening in front of him

Alisson has been called upon many times this season, and he has delivered when it mattered most. In this match, his first-half save from Havertz was remarkable and kept the Reds level going into halftime. He denied Havertz again in the second half and was fortunate when the ball ricocheted off Havertz's arm and into the net.

It must be frustrating for Alisson to see what is happening in front of him. He looked bewildered when Joel Matip chose to ignore his instructions and headed the ball down to Joao Felix, who missed his shot. Captain Jordan Henderson even tried to question Alisson after the incident, but soon realized his mistake and backed down.

Liverpool may have many issues, but their goalkeeper is not one of them.

LOSER: Kai Havertz

Despite Havertz having a decent scoring history against Liverpool, he missed out on a few golden opportunities at Stamford Bridge, resulting in his team's failure to capitalize on their early dominance. Havertz had an early tap-in attempt that was saved by Alisson, and although he was able to get through on his favored left foot later on, his finish was way off-target. He eventually did manage to score, but only after his initial poor shot hit Alisson, bounced off his arm, and went into the net, which led to a VAR review. As expected, Chelsea's difficulties in scoring persisted even after the departure of Potter, and Havertz was a prime example of this.


Havertz had an early tap-in attempt that was saved by Alisson

WINNER: Bruno Saltor

The first-ever lineup as a coach was chosen by Chelsea's interim manager, who opted for a 3-5-2 formation. Despite low expectations, the Blues displayed greater dominance than they had in several games under Potter. Kante, Kovacic, and Enzo Fernandez commanded the midfield, but the team lacked a winning goal, as has become typical. Although he was a former defender and not expected to address Chelsea's scoring inefficiency, Bruno's interim tenure got off to a promising start.


Bruno's interim tenure got off to a promising start

LOSER: Kostas Tsimikas

"Before the match, Jurgen Klopp emphasized the need for new ideas and fresh minds, and his team selection reflected this sentiment. Six changes were made to the starting XI from the previous devastating loss to Manchester City. Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Cody Gakpo were dropped to the bench, and Virgil van Dijk was absent due to illness. Additionally, Andy Robertson was replaced by Tsimikas as left-back, but unfortunately, the Greek player failed to impress.


Tsimikas' subpar performance was highlighted by a clipped cross

He appeared nervous, and his defensive and offensive play left much to be desired. For instance, his first act was conceding a needless foul on Kante, followed by a poor giveaway that led to a significant opportunity for Felix. Tsimikas' subpar performance was highlighted by a clipped cross that landed directly in Kepa Arrizabalaga's arms and a dreadful corner shortly after.

Consequently, Klopp substituted Robertson into the match after only 20 minutes into the second half. Although Robertson had a poor showing in the last game against Manchester City, he is still considered Liverpool's best left-back by far and is expected to play against Arsenal on Sunday."

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Frenkie Tran
Written by: Frenkie Tran
My football predictions cover a variety of competitions and tournaments. In addition to English and European football, football predictions also include tips on games taking place in the USA, Australia, Africa, South America and beyond, from famous leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga and Bundesliga to popular national leagues such as Croatian First League and Portugal Primeira.

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