Frank Lampard's men; so hyped up this season; were somewhat disappointing; seemingly unable to gel and gain much control of the contest; and it was soon pretty obvious that it was Liverpool that was the much better-oiled machine of the two.
Having said that; the deciding point of the game came just before half-time; when the supposedly suspect Chelsea defence was finally exposed. Jordan Henderson played a lovely incisive ball through the middle for Sadio Mane's surging run; and Andreas Christensen; not for the first time in his life; was found lacking for pace and forced to bring him down just before Kepa Arrizabalaga could come out to clear.
It was a red card; and the referee did get it right after a VAR review. You had a feeling the attacking champions would go on to gain a stranglehold on this contest; and that's exactly what they did. Early in the second half; a typically-brilliant passing move saw the front three combine perfectly; for Roberto Firmino's cross to be headed home picturesquely by Mane.
Things soon became worse for the home side; when already-shaky 'keeper Arrizabalaga made a dreadful error; with his pass out being intercepted by the hardworking Mane for an easy second. At this point; you began to fear for the home side; as Liverpool were in danger of running rampant. To Chelsea's credit though; they kept plugging on it; and should in fact have reduced the arrears after a dazzling piece of skill from the impressive Timo Werner.
He cut it sharply from the left; and debutant Thiago Alcanatara; who had a good game otherwise; rather harshly ran into this path; bringing him down. It was a great lifeline back for Chelsea but alas; Jorginho; who has been almost perfect from the penalty spot; failed with his 'trick-jump' this time & saw his attempt brilliantly saved by Alisson.
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