Arne Slot was booed by Liverpool fans during their 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Anfield. The Reds took an early lead through Ryan Gravenberch, but Enzo Fernandez equalised before the break. The result leaves Liverpool 17 points behind Arsenal, while Chelsea remain ninth in the Premier League.
1. Gravenberch's early strike
Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring after just five minutes. Dominik Szoboszlai's free-kick from 40 yards was blocked by the Chelsea wall, but the ball fell to Gravenberch on the edge of the box. He curled a precise shot past Filip Jorgensen, though the Chelsea goalkeeper will be disappointed not to have saved it.
2. Fofana's touch or Fernandez's goal?
Enzo Fernandez's free-kick from the right appeared to go straight in, but Wesley Fofana claimed a touch. Television replays showed Fofana did get a slight deflection, though the goal is still credited to Fernandez. The Argentine was influential in Chelsea's fightback and nearly put the Blues ahead shortly after, only to be denied by Giorgi Mamardashvili.
3. VAR disallows Chelsea goal
Early in the second half, Cole Palmer thought he had scored when he tapped in from close range after a cross from Marc Cucurella. However, VAR ruled Cucurella offside by the narrowest of margins, with his shoulder ahead of the last defender Curtis Jones.
4. Kop's frustration with Slot
Liverpool fans voiced their displeasure when Slot substituted Rio Ngumoha for Alexander Isak in the 67th minute. Ngumoha has become a fan favourite, and supporters felt Cody Gakpo should have been replaced instead. The boos were loud and clear from the Kop.
5. Uncertain futures for both managers
Both clubs may have new managers by next season. Slot led Liverpool to the title last year, but this result leaves them 17 points behind Arsenal. Chelsea sit ninth, nine points off fifth-placed Aston Villa, though they have an FA Cup final to look forward to against Manchester City.
