Liverpool's position from the overwhelming victory over Chelsea

According to Premier League expert Alex Keble, Liverpool confirmed their position as title contenders with their best performance since the start of the season to crush Chelsea 4-1 at Anfield.

Liverpool's first game after Jurgen Klopp announced his departure was a culmination of a dynasty, a nostalgic look at the German's legacy at Anfield. The 90-minute performance was a whirlwind of energy, with counter-attacks and chances galore, a true reflection of Klopp's Liverpool.

Liverpool dominated from start to finish, producing one of the best performances in the Premier League this season. They blew Chelsea away tactically, technically and mentally, and this could be a sign that Klopp’s reign at Anfield could end with a second Premier League title. The 56-year-old’s announcement of his departure seems to have made the players more excited and determined than ever, returning to the top at just the right time.

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp greets the crowd after the 4-1 win over Chelsea in round 22 of the Premier League at Anfield on January 31. Photo: AP

Klopp's identity

“No playmaker in the world can be as good as a good counter-attack,” is Klopp’s famous quote. And this detail became the outstanding tactical feature he brought to English football.

That was evident in the match against Chelsea at Anfield on 31 January, when Liverpool showed abundant energy in high situations, relentless in counter-attacking, trying to win the ball back immediately after losing it. Liverpool had 13 times of possession in the final third - their best figure in all competitions this season.

The hosts also made 20 successful tackles - their second highest tally in the Premier League this season. Klopp's players made 23 tackles in total, which translates to a success rate of 87% - the best tally among the 20 Premier League clubs this season.

Tackling and winning the ball in the opposition half is the guiding principle for everything Liverpool does, playing a role in building the play and also holding Chelsea back, forcing them to submit. Thanks to that, the Anfield team always has the advantage of switching the state with sharp passes to break Chelsea's disorganized system.

Dominik Szoboszlai successfully tackles Enzo Fernandez as Liverpool beat Chelsea 4-1 in round 22 of the Premier League at Anfield on January 31. Photo: AP

More importantly, the world-class counter-attacking moves meant Liverpool were not confined to one position or area. They were constantly on the move, pressing and making Chelsea fumble and quickly lose possession. Again, that is typical Klopp style.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s touch map shows how strange Liverpool’s possession was, with the Hungarian midfielder moving all over the pitch to close down and challenge for the ball. It was difficult to follow the pattern of movement, from Diogo Jota appearing in a variety of roles to Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones swapping positions.

Map of Szoboszlai's touchlines in Liverpool's 4-1 win over Chelsea at Anfield on January 31. Photo: premierleague.com

That is Klopp's identity: high pressing combined with rotation to create a paradox of chaotic attacking football that is always under control. Chelsea cannot cope with this "crazy" style of play from Liverpool.

Liverpool discovery

In the 58th minute, Conor Bradley - in his second Premier League start - tackled brilliantly, got past his opponent and gave Liverpool a free kick. Liverpool fans were excited by this situation and chanted "There is only one Conor Bradley".

It was a standout performance from the 20-year-old right-back - who reads situations, anticipates danger, tackles, joins in attacks and has a running style reminiscent of his senior opposite winger Andrew Robertson.

Bradley made a game-high four key passes and committed four fouls. More impressively, Bradley is the youngest Liverpool player to both score and assist in a Premier League game since Raheem Sterling in August 2014.

Bradley contributed to Liverpool's first three goals and was voted man of the match. In the opening goal, Bradley cut the ball from his own half, ran straight into Chelsea's half to attract people, allowing Jota to break through in the middle and finish close to goal. In the 39th minute, also from a cut-back in the middle of the pitch, the Northern Irishman sprinted down the right wing, received a pass from Luis Diaz and shot diagonally beyond the reach of goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic. He ended his day with a brilliant cross from the right flank for Szoboszlai to head in to make it 3-0 in the 65th minute.

Defender Conor Bradley (red shirt) scores to make it 2-0 in Liverpool's 4-1 win over Chelsea in the 22nd round of the Premier League at Anfield on January 31. Photo: AP

Chelsea's weak points on both wings

From Chelsea’s perspective, all three goals Bradley contributed to exposed their biggest tactical weakness of the game. Chelsea’s wingers were ineffective in marking, leaving their respective full-backs exposed. When Bradley scored, Chelsea were left wide on the right flank as Raheem Sterling failed to get back in time.

Liverpool also exploited this weakness with long diagonal passes - a key feature at Anfield as the home side spread their play from one side to the other. One of these was the situation that led to Szoboszlai's goal.

As a result, Liverpool had 28 shots - their highest figure against Chelsea since the 2003-2004 season. In contrast, "The Blues" had four shots, including a goal by substitute Christopher Nkunku.

Chelsea were outclassed in every way by Liverpool's superb one-touch and total football in midfield, led by Alexis Mac Allister - a midfielder who excelled with eight tackles.

"In short, the performance against Chelsea showed the identity of Liverpool under Klopp. It was a memorable symbol of what they may miss when the German coach leaves, but also opened up a final four months of the season to look forward to," Keble commented.

Hong Duy (according to Premier League )

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