Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson highlighted the contribution of Chelsea duo Mateo Kovacic and Edouard Mendy towards last weekend’s wicked spectacle.
As quoted by the club website, Henderson mentioned the quality of Kovacic and Mendy’s respective involvements in the gripping 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Both of the Blues played more than a major part in arguably the most entertaining Premier League game of the season so far.
Classy Kovacic
Kovacic stole the show from the middle of the park.
He glided past challenges, covered ground, controlled possession and did so without hardly breaking a sweat.
And we haven’t even got onto his volley yet…
Arguably a goal of the century contender, let alone year, the Croatian will probably never hit a sweater strike.
With Liverpool leading 2-0, Chelsea needed not only a lift but a foothold in the contest.
Their magnificent midfielder provided both in one, scintillating sweep of his right boot.
“We’ll be disappointed with the goals we conceded,” admitted Henderson.
“Of course the first one is an outstanding finish but the lead-up to it we were disappointed with and then conceding so quickly on the second one, we’ll be disappointed with that also.”
More good stuff from Mendy
Whilst Kovacic shimmered in the spotlight, another member of Thomas Tuchel’s team take on a rather unsung role in proceedings.
Mendy may have been beaten twice – two efforts the goalkeeper might look back on in some frustration – but the shots he did save were of the highest order.
The 29-year-old denied Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane in the second half with a pair of sturdy palms.
“On another day we could have scored another one on the counter-attack, we had a couple of good chances, the ’keeper made some brilliant saves for them,” continued Henderson.
Chelsea vs City
If not for the ‘keeper and Kovacic, Chelsea’s title challenge would pretty much be over.
For now, there remains a glimmer of hope of catching Manchester City.
Next Saturday’s mighty encounter at the Etihad could well cement the crown in Manchester, or make it swing slightly back to South West London.