“We had chances”- Liverpool veteran looks at positives following Chelsea stalemate

Liverpool midfielder James Milner gives his verdict on the Chelsea draw

For most parts of the game, Liverpool vice-captain James Milner put in a solid shift at right-back against Chelsea and was extremely good. However, within 15 minutes of the introduction of Mykhaylo Mudryk, Milly came off the pitch as obviously, the pace of both players was a complete mismatch.

There wasn’t much in the game for both sides as either team was extremely “un=clinical” and there was no composure on show from any forwards. The midfield battle was for the ages with it almost seeming like a competition for which team misplaces most passes.

All in all, the Reds were lucky to escape an early setback after Kai Havertz’s goal stood ruled out for offside. But even with a good start to the second half, Liverpool failed to capitalise on any of it and the match ended in a goalless draw.

Speaking to BT Sport after the game, here is what he said about the game and how the Reds should have closed it much before when they got the chance to do so. [via BBC Sport]

“We always want to win our home games, we know the situation we are in at the moment, things are not easy. We’ve got to stick together, keep working hard. We kept a clean sheet which was pleasing. We need to get that base. We had chances to win the game.”

The Reds v/s The Blues

The game was characterized by a lack of clear-cut chances for either side, with both teams struggling to break down their opponent’s defence. The midfield battle was far from intense and lacking in creativity. However, keeping a clean sheet is a feat the Reds would want to continue and meanwhile, try to score a few as well.

The game ended up being a tactical battle rather than an entertaining one, and it was clear that neither team was willing to take the risk to go for a win. But small steps will eventually count in the end as the Reds creep one step closer to a UCL spot. However, Liverpool need to start winning games sooner than later.

There has been a common trend of the Reds conceding the first goal of the game and more often than not, they chase the game for the rest of the 90 minutes. If we somehow manage to change that and try to be aggressive from the beginning and press the opposition, we could make a stronger case for ourselves in games.

More Liverpool News:

• Liverpool plan on late January swoop for Wolves’ captain Ruben Neves
• Liverpool show interest in Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters
• Jurgen Klopp reveals he will “not leave” Liverpool dugout; hints at other changes

It does not seem like we are going to strengthen our squad further this season, and hopefully, FSG invest heavily in the summer for the Reds to go get the likes of Jude Bellingham and their other midfield targets next summer.