LONDON: Another 0-0 stalemate between Chelsea and Liverpool. Another match highlighting the sharp decline of two of England’s top teams who, at this rate, are unlikely to be playing in the Champions League next season.
Chelsea were playing their first game since the firing of Graham Potter on Sunday but little was different under his interim replacement, Bruno Saltor.
Indeed, there was something very familiar about the teams serving up a goalless draw. That has been the score in this fixture in their last four meetings — both Premier League matches this season and both domestic cup finals last season, which were ultimately won by Liverpool via penalty shootouts.
The top four, and qualification for the Champions League, is looking increasingly unlikely for both teams. Liverpool, who ran Manchester City so close for the title last season, are in eighth place and seven points off fourth-place Tottenham.