Chelsea managed to hold Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday, despite playing with ten men after defender Reece James was sent off before halftime. Chelsea took the lead against the run of play when Kai Havertz headed in a corner kick, putting it past goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
However, Liverpool equalized before the break in controversial circumstances, as referee Anthony Taylor, after reviewing the pitch-side monitor, ruled that James touched the ball on the line, denying Sadio Mane a goal, leading to a penalty and James' red card. Replays showed that the ball hit James' thigh before reaching his arm. While Chelsea felt the decision was harsh, Mohamed Salah remained composed and converted the penalty, marking his 99th goal and bringing him closer to 100 goals for Liverpool.
After his team was reduced to ten men, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel made two substitutions at halftime, bringing on defender Thiago Silva and midfielder Mateo Kovacic for Havertz and the injured N'Golo Kante. This helped Chelsea withstand Liverpool's attacks, securing a point and keeping both teams unbeaten at the start of the season.
