Chelsea supporters on social media owed Manchester City midfielder Rodri a thank you for his heroics during the epic Premier League tie with Liverpool yesterday.
Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola’s juggernauts played out an enthralling 2-2 draw at Anfield on Sunday, a terrific advert for the English first division.
It was a wonderful watch for the neutral, one that included a Mohammed Salah stunner and flourishes of excellence from Phil Foden.
But Rodri produced one of the pivotal – and perhaps underrated – moments of the match.
A Rodri reward
With four minutes on the clock remaining and the scores level, City gave away a free kick inside their own half.
Salah floated a cross into the area, one that Ederson missed in the Merseyside moonlight.
The ball fell at the feet of Fabinho, who had the goal gaping at his mercy.
Or that’s how it appeared, until Rodri stretched out a leg to block the Brazilian’s effort.
A prevention as precious as scoring down the other end.
Not only from a City standpoint, but for Chelsea as well.
Denying the Reds a third on the evening meant Thomas Tuchel’s men remained top of the league, having just edged out in front after defeating Southampton the day before.
Not ones to usually praise an opposing player, followers of the Blues made an exception for Rodri.
Here’s how they reacted on Twitter:
Top of the Premier League Pops
Chelsea fans will have been watching the clash between City and Liverpool with great intensity.
Whichever side came up trumps would’ve climbed to the summit, passing the Blues en route.
As it transpired, a share of the spoils was probably the best outcome for Tuchel’s men.
Heading into the international break in pole position is not a bad place to be.
Especially considering Chelsea have already faced Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.