Rafa Benitez has one big question about Chelsea after defeat to Liverpool at Anfield

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Enzo Maresca was left content with what he saw from his Chelsea players after they suffered just their second defeat of the season against Liverpool.

The Blues were beaten 2-1, after Nicolas Jackson’s equalising goal didn’t keep them level for long.

It can perhaps be argued that they were not seeing the best from their top player, with Cole Palmer struggling to make a real impact up against a side who had a clear plan up against him.

• READ MORE: Nicolas Jackson was fuming with £45m Chelsea player late in game vs Liverpool

There were moments against the league leaders where Chelsea were really under the cosh, and looked to be struggling with the pressure they were under.

This was particularly evident at the back. Tosin Adarabioyo picked up an early yellow card, while Levi Colwill was at fault for the first goal after giving away a penalty.

Rafa Benitez questions Chelsea defence

An inexperienced defence was asked some serious questions by one of the best attacks in the league, and former Blues and Reds manager Rafa Benitez questioned whether they are working as a unit at the back.

He said to Match of the Day 2: “Players coming from different countries and then playing together and then I think that would be quite difficult. They can be proud because they were attacking, but we are still talking about my point, that is, if you want to win trophies, you have to keep the balance.

“And you have to be sure that you are good in defence and also in attack. The point is that you see the stats, they are very good offensively, but are they working in defence? I am not sure about that.”

Reece James back for Chelsea

There are likely to be some changes made to the back four that started against Liverpool, even though it was the occasion where Reece James returned to the squad for the first time this season.

Suspensions for both Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana kept them out of that game, and they were clearly missed after their strong starts to the season.

This could see Malo Gusto drop to the bench for the upcoming Premier League match against Newcastle. He was started in an unfamiliar left-hand-side role against the league leaders.