Liverpool’s winning start to the 2018-19 Premier League came to an end, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Both Chelsea and Liverpool created ample opportunities during the opening exchanges, but it was the home team that took the lead, as Eden Hazard slotted past Alisson Becker after being played in by a precise pass from Mateo Kovacic in the 25th minute.
Liverpool came out stronger after the break in search of the equalizer that continued to elude them. And right when they were staring down the barrel of defeat, substitute Daniel Sturridge produced a moment of magic, scoring from 25 yards out with a sensational strike to bring the Reds back on level terms with his former club.
It was a spectacular effort from the England international, swerving and dipping, leaving Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga with absolutely no chance. And Twitter went gaga over Sturridge’s sensational strike;
Best thing was when Sturridge came on, Chelsea supporters started singing “Chelsea reject, Chelsea reject.” 1 minute later he goes and scores a screamer.
— – (@AnfieldRd96) September 29, 2018
Antonio Rudiger's reaction to Daniel Sturridge's stunning 89th minute equaliser says it all ?♂️ pic.twitter.com/N2s0uowcf2
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) September 29, 2018
Sturridge really made Kepa fly without wings #CHELIV pic.twitter.com/CVB58aS7cO
— Uncle Drew☻ (@W11zdom) September 29, 2018
How am I supposed to explain to my future kids that Daniel Sturridge scored from the picture on the left, but missed in the picture on the right? pic.twitter.com/oivmgApGd3
— Fredrik (@F_Edits) September 29, 2018
Salah: I just won the Puskas Award.
Sturridge: pic.twitter.com/D9eIfpeBmV— SOCCER.COM (@soccerdotcom) September 29, 2018
Four goals. Two stunners. One Daniel Sturridge.
— Matt (@FalseFirmino) September 29, 2018
Prior to Sturridge’s wonder-strike however, Liverpool had a wonderful opportunity to equalize, when Andrew Robertson put the ball on a plate for substitute Xherdan Shaqiri, who was unmarked in the box. But the Switzerland international could only slice his effort wide off the mark.
That miss from Shaqiri…#CHELIV pic.twitter.com/5xlGmxgKi8
— BetVictor (@BetVictor) September 29, 2018
That Shaqiri miss is shocking
— Joseph Cousins (@JCuzzy1) September 29, 2018
Sorry, still trying to get my head around how Shaqiri missed that.
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) September 29, 2018
Incredible cross from Robertson. Poor effort from Shaqiri.
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) September 29, 2018
But it was Eden Hazard who stole the show once again, just like he did in the cup tie between the two teams earlier this week, scoring a fine goal in the first period that set the ball rolling.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
– 2015: 'Mahrez is better than Hazard'
– 2016: 'Sanchez is better than Hazard'
– 2017: 'De Bruyne is better than Hazard'
– 2018: 'Salah is better than Hazard'
One constant…#CHELIV #CFC pic.twitter.com/1CbsNFX91B
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) September 29, 2018
Eden. Hazard.
Best player in the Premier League right now ? pic.twitter.com/coq9fz1SYJ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 29, 2018
Hazard has actually eradicated all myths about him:
• 'Hazard disappears in big games'
• 'Hazard is inconsistent'
• 'Hazard can't score goals, he's a dribble merchant'Put some respect on his name.
— Mod (@CFCMod_) September 29, 2018
Eden Hazard’s performances this season ??⚽️ pic.twitter.com/WobL7llP7d
— ShotOnGoal (@shotongoal247) September 29, 2018
Why are people still debating whether Hazard is the best in the league in 2018? It's old news. We're debating whether he's the best in the world now. Catch up.
— CFC (@CFCWriter) September 29, 2018
"Salah or Hazard?"
If you want someone to win you a big game I think we all know who it is— Jimmy (@JQ_C1Zee) September 29, 2018
