Despite a disappointing display from Jurgen Klopp’s side against Chelsea, Alisson Becker produced yet another exceptional performance to save Liverpool.
The match ended in a goalless draw, leaving Liverpool’s Champions League qualification hopes in a precarious position.
Chelsea were dominant throughout much of the game and were unlucky not to score, with two goals ruled out by VAR.
Alisson was kept busy, making a number of crucial saves during the match, as he received little protection from an unfamiliar Liverpool back four.
Klopp’s decision to field Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate, and Kostas Tsimikas in defense, resulted in both Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold being dropped to the bench, while Virgil van Dijk was unavailable due to illness.
In a concerning moment for Klopp, Alisson was involved in a heated exchange with captain Jordan Henderson midway through the second half.
The pair squared up to each other with Henderson at one point butting chests with the Brazilian goalkeeper before defusing the situation.
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Fabinho: We have Alisson to thank
Speaking after full-time, Alisson’s international teammate Fabinho praised the Brazilian goalkeeper and said Liverpool had him to thank for their point.
“It’s always important to keep a clean sheet, to defend good. But we have to thank Alisson again,” Fabinho told Liverpool’s website.
“This season it happens regularly [that] we need Ali to help us, he’s been our best player this season.
“He showed again why.”
Speaking after the draw, Liverpool boss Klopp said it was a “little step in the right direction” after their 4-1 mauling at the hands of Manchester City.
“Each success starts with being difficult to beat and we have to be difficult to beat again,” he said.
The draw leaves Liverpool eighth in the Premier League, seven points off the top four, while Chelsea remain 11th.
Klopp’s side have another tough test this weekend when they host league leaders Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.
Chelsea, meanwhile, travel to face Wolves at Molineux on Saturday.