Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has praised Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea for their performance at Anfield, backing them for the Premier League title.
Chelsea battled hard at Anfleid to salvage a draw against Liverpool. Things were not easy after the Blues were down a man just before halftime and had to deal with waves of Reds attack until the final whistle. In the end, Thomas Tuchel’s side showed the resilience which probably makes them challengers this season.
The first quarter lived up to this expectation with a Virgil van Dijk against Romelu Lukaku battle touted in the build-up. Afterwards, when Kai Havertz gave Chelsea the lead with a brilliant header, Liverpool desperately chased an equaliser. The goal did come before halftime under controversial circumstances.
Reece James seemed to have handled the ball on the goal line, and referee Anthony Taylor, subject to a VAR review, issued a straight red card and a penalty to Liverpool. Mohamed Salah converted the spot-kick just before the break, as the Anfield crowd awaited an onslaught in the second period.
Instead, Chelsea produced one of the best defensive performances this season with a man down and protecting the goal against waves of Liverpool attacks. Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger stood their ground to earn their side a valuable draw.
Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbailk was deeply impressed by the performance and suggested Tuchel’s side showed the quality of title challengers this season.
The Daily Mail posted quotes from the former Chelsea striker and current pundit speaking to Sky Sports about the west London side’s chances this season, suggesting they have what it takes to win the Premier League title.
Hasselbaink said, “This second-half will tell him more than the game against Arsenal. He will get more from this and get more from his team than the win against Arsenal, where they played well. But if you told him you’re going to Anfield and getting a point, he will have taken that. That’s what you need to do to be champions.
“And then with ten men even more so. The togetherness is massive; they’ve got momentum and in a good place. They’re right there.”
The result meant Chelsea are still to be beaten in the new season, after having picked up wins against Crystal Palace and Arsenal in the first two matches. With Manchester City hitting top gear, Manchester United also looking strong and Liverpool back in form, it is shaping up to be quite an intriguing title race this early into the season.