Klopp and Allison Becker did not travel to the Bridge for this title contenders showdown. Big news for Chelsea was the absence of Romelu Lukaku who said some not so savory things about his coach. In an Aubamayeng type tiff coach Tuchel dropped the Belgian for this one meaning Harvetz spearheads the attack with American Pulisic. Lukaku criticized Tuchel's tactics in comments with Sky Italia. This was the final match for Liverpool with their African contingent before they leave for the Africa Cup of Nations and they look set to struggle without them. Two of them got on the scoresheet first. Mane ,who should have seen more than yellow for the elbow on Azpilicueta, nailing Chalobah for his heading error to fire past his fellow countryman Mendy. In honest truth it was against the run of play. Chelsea were dominating possession and pressing high up. Salah adding one midway through first half. How do you stop Mo? But getting close to him and showing him to his weaker right. Alonso did it but stopped short of completing the job. Should have followed him all the way to the byline.

The response from Chelsea was late and surprisingly efficient. Thanks to the industriousness of Kante and Kovacic they were level going into half time. Kovacic couldn't have been more accurate with his volley but look at the positioning of Kelleher. Instead of diving why not sort your feet out ,get into position. The young keeper had done well to save from Pulisic early in the match and this undone the great work. The two teams canceling each other out in the second half so the draw probably the fairest result. The Carabao Cup has shown that Liverpool have the depth to succeed without the AFCON guys but from my point of view Chelsea need Lukaku more. He can score from half chances better than all the other strikers. The sooner Tuchel buries the hatchet with him the better for the Blues. However it is not to say the German coach should come groveling to Lukaku. Lukaku should apologize first as the comments were disrespectful to the coach and uncalled for. Only then should he be allowed in. This makes sure the balance of power in the dressing room is firmly with Tuchel. Tuchel shouldn't forget to fine Romelu too.