Chelsea vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction from thrilling match

Chelsea welcomed Liverpool to Stamford Bridge for a massive game in the Premier League title race

Chelsea welcomed Liverpool to Stamford Bridge for a massive game in the Premier League title race (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Chelsea and Liverpool played out one of the games of the Premier League season with a pulsating draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Thomas Tuchel's decision to drop Romelu Lukaku following the airing of a controversial interview this week dominated pre-match discussions before it was revealed Alisson, Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip had joined Jurgen Klopp in being ruled out of the contest with suspected positive Covid tests.

Sadio Mane gave the visitors the perfect start, however, with a well-taken opening goal before Mohamed Salah doubled the Reds' lead with a fine run and finish.

Mateo Kovacic went one better, though, finding the net with a sumptuous volley from the edge of the area before Christian Pulisic netted what proved to be the equaliser just before half-time.

Both teams pushed for winners in the second period but it wasn't to be with the main beneficiaries proving to be title rivals Manchester City, who now sit 10 points clear at the top of the table.

Chelsea vs Liverpool Premier League updates

• Romelu Lukaku dropped after controversial interview
• Sadio Mane profits from defensive mistake to slot in opener
• Mohamed Salah doubles lead with fine run and near-post finish
• Mateo Kovacic volleys in stunner from range
• Christian Pulisic fires home equaliser before half-time

[2 January 2022 18:20 · Dylan Terry]

Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool

89 mins: Alonso’s delivery is superb from the corner but it’s headed clear and for a moment it looks as if Liverpool have a 4-on-2 situation! But they can’t quite execute the right pass and Chelsea are let off the hook.

[2 January 2022 18:19 · Dylan Terry]

Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool

87 mins: Van Dijk looks for the ball over the top for Mane but Mendy is out as the sweeper keeper to ensure Chelsea win possession back.

If there is going to be another goal in the dying moments then it looks as though it’s going to come from Tuchel’s men in blue.

Pulisic clips a dangerous ball into the area but Alexander-Arnold hooks clear before Hudson-Odoi can reach it.

Another corner for Chelsea.

[2 January 2022 18:17 · Dylan Terry]

Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool

86 mins: Chelsea have the ball back for a few minutes and continue to look for that lifted ball inside the full back. Both Pulisic and then Hudson-Odoi are found in behind - and the latter wins the home side a corner.

In comes the corner and Rudiger’s header is glanced wide.

Does either side have a winner in them?

[2 January 2022 18:14 · Dylan Terry]

Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool

84 mins: Liverpool look to feed Mane straight away on the break but Mendy is out to clear away.

YELLOW! Chelsea then come again and Hudson-Odoi draws the foul from Konate with a run down the right channel. Konate is booked for his troubles.

[2 January 2022 18:13 · Dylan Terry]

Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool

82 mins: Mount’s free-kick is into the wall. It bounces straight back to him and his second effort is better but Kelleher gets down to his right and is equal to it.

[2 January 2022 18:12 · Dylan Terry]

Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool

81 mins: Kovacic is clipped by Keita and wins Chelsea a free-kick 25 yards from goal. Dangerous position for the hosts to have a shot from.

Stamford Bridge waits. Mount and Alonso both over it.

[2 January 2022 18:11 · Dylan Terry]

Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool

79 mins: Havertz makes way for Callum Hudson-Odoi. Can he be the match winner? The pace has certainly gone out of the game a little. You can understand why. The first 70 minutes of this game were rock n’ roll football to say the least. Maybe even heavy metal.

[2 January 2022 18:08 · Dylan Terry]

Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool

77 mins: Chelsea definitely sitting a lot deeper now as Liverpool probe for a winner. It’s a reversal of the first half when Liverpool were absorbing the pressure and looking to break.

The Chelsea crowd becoming a little agitated by the visitors having the ball for long periods.

If there is a loser in this game now, they are going to be both gutted and furious. It’s been an incredibly energetic, emotional, remarkable game of football.

[2 January 2022 18:05 · Dylan Terry]

Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool

74 mins: Liverpool enjoy a period of possession now. Tsimikas blitzes past Jorginho down the left flank but his cross misses everyone.

Liverpool retain possession but can’t do anything with it and eventually their attack breaks down.

Chelsea come again. Relentless desire to win the game from both teams.

[2 January 2022 18:03 · Dylan Terry]

Chelsea 2-2 Liverpool

72 mins: From right winback Pulisic goes close! He cuts inside and curls a dangerous effort towards the far top corner but it’s just over the top.

There is still one more goal left in this game. I’m convinced.