6 talking points as Liverpool and Chelsea play out snoozefest on Klopp's big day

TOM BLOW FROM MIRROR

Liverpool’s and Chelsea’s top-four hopes suffered another blow on Saturday afternoon, as they played out a goalless draw at Anfield.

Kai Havertz had the ball in the net early on, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Mykhaylo Mudryk came on the second half and produced a dazzling display to show why Chelsea paid £89milllion for him, yet he – nor anyone else – could break the deadlock.

The result does little to help either team. Liverpool have jumped up one place to eighth but remain nine points behind Newcastle, who travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday evening, in fourth. Chelsea, meanwhile, remain in ninth but level on points with the Reds.

Here are the main talking points from Anfield…

Mudryk forced to wait

All eyes were on Chelsea’s team sheet ahead of kick-off following the signing of former Arsenal target Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk. Yet the Ukraine international was not given his first Blues start by Graham Potter, who named him on the bench.

Liverpool’s team was also intriguing. James Milner, Joe Gomez, Stefan Bajcetic and Harvey Elliott all retained their starting roles after helping the FA Cup win against Wolves, which suggests Jurgen Klopp may have lost faith with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson – who were all named on the bench.

VAR makes early appearance

Potter’s decision to snub Mudryk was almost vindicated during the opening minutes of the game, as Chelsea had the ball in the net. The disallowed goal came from a corner when new signing Benoit Badiashile found himself unmarked in Liverpool’s box.

The France international knocked the ball on to Thiago Silva, who struck the post with his effort. The ball then rebounded to Havertz for a tap in, but the Germany international was narrowly offside. It was a fortunate escape for Liverpool’s sloppy defence.

Cody Gakpo should have punished Chelsea moments later when Mohamed Salah teed him up, but the Dutchman skied his effort high over the bar. A rather tedious first half followed, with neither side making the most of possession in attacking positions.

After a disappointing first half, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher tweeted: “[Darwin] Nunez please, Jurgen!” His request was initially ignored, as Klopp – in his 1,000th game as a manager – stuck by his starting XI for the opening stages of the second half.

Liverpool did improve after the break and took the game to Chelsea, but they failed to break the deadlock. The Blues also came close thanks to a lovely run by Hakim Ziyech, yet he missed the target. Klopp eventually brought on Nunez in the 63rd minute.

Gakpo’s duck continues

Much was expected of Gakpo following his £45million move from PSV Eindhoven at the start of the window. After all, this is one of the stars of the World Cup in Qatar who scored nine goals and provided 12 assists during the first half of the Eredivisie campaign.