Liverpool seem incapable of taking the easy road. Once again, the Reds complicated their top four prospects instead of polishing them. Liverpool struggled and lost to a resurgent Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
While the allure of a Champions League final awaits the Reds at the end of the month, the Premier League campaign looks a lot like last season. Liverpool missed a chance to remove all doubts about their top four credentials and now have a short reprieve to prepare for Brighton and Hove Albion at home in the finale.
There has been a kind of compressed quality to the last few weeks. Injuries to key personnel have also frayed the squad more than expected at one of the worst moments. More than anything, the side seemed sapped of energy and yet battled against the former champions who were playing at home and desperately chasing hopes of a top-four place in the table.
The result meant that frustration reigned over the Reds. A slight deflection left the defence exposed for a split second and it was enough to fall behind. Yet failure to break through Chelsea’s defence ultimately broke any chance for the required result.
Here are four findings from the match.
