Liverpool wasted a 2-0 lead to the Blues at Stamford Bridge to leave Pep Guardiola’s side 10 points out in front of their main title rivals.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had to watch on from home after testing positive for coronavirus as his side were held to a 2-2 draw by Chelsea and there was plenty for him to ponder heading into next week.
The both teams had a depleted squad for the match with both sides desperate for a win to keep track of Manchester City at the top of the table.
And they made the perfect start to proceedings as both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah quickly gave Liverpool a 2-0 lead.
Chelsea kept up the pressure on their opponents though and halved the deficit in spectacular fashion when Mateo Kovacic struck a wonderful effort into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Minutes later and the score was level when Christian Pulisic was played through, who finished expertly past Caoimhin Kelleher as the teams went into the break level.
The second half did not quite live up to the excitement and tempo of the first, both teams coming to look leggy in the closing stages, even if there were chances at either end and, when the dust had settled, there was one manager who was the happiest of all.
But neither side was able to find a breakthrough with both clubs sharing a point apiece in a bitter blow to their hopes of catching City.
No more evidence on Salah and Mane’s influence on this Liverpool team was needed, but they showcased just how crucial they are to Liverpool’s silverware hopes in the opening 45 minutes.
Now the pair could be set to miss Liverpool’s next six games with the Africa Cup of Nations running until February 6.
Klopp would have likely prepared for the imminent departures of both players, but how that works for several weeks remains to be seen.
Remarkably, Liverpool have never had both Salah and Mane unavailable to start a Premier League game together since the former was signed in 2017.
This was largely out of Liverpool’s control with Thiago Alcantara unavailable through injury, but it was far from an unrecognisable midfield three against Chelsea.
Fabinho and Jordan Henderson are regular starters while James Milner is a seasoned veteran with bags of experience.
But after Liverpool went 2-0 up, the three midfielders were unable to cope with Chelsea’s relentless pressure.
Klopp hinted last month that it’s unlikely any new signings will be made this month, despite injuries and other situations taking their toll on his squad.
Both Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino were unavailable against Chelsea due to injuries and once Salah and Mane leave, that would leave Klopp devoid of any depth in attack.
A loan move may be the best Liverpool hope for in finding what they need, but time is of the essence already with the January transfer window already open.
