Tuchel was delighted with the ‘complete performance’ when Chelsea delivered a ‘massive blow’ to Liverpool

Ten games in the Thomas Tuchel era, Chelsea remain undefeated and literally impossible to win. Takumi Minamino, from Southampton, on loan from Liverpool, ironically, remains the only player to have managed to score in Tuchel’s defense. Liverpool could have used it today, with Christensen, Rudiger & Co organizing their vaunted front three, as well as a comeback from Diogo Jota, with relative ease.

But it wasn’t just today’s defensive performance. Chelsea did not just come to Anfield to defend and counterattack. We pressed hard, we kept possession of the ball, we didn’t run away from the challenge. It was, in the words of the head coach, that he won only his third victory in 15 attempts against Jurgen Klopp, a “complete display”.

“I am very, very happy with the performance. It was clear that we needed complete performance in all aspects of the game. We did that, we were very brave with the ball and we never lost intensity with the ball. We have always been aggressive and very courageous. That was the key. It was an excellent performance by the team and a deserved victory. “

-Thomas Tuchel; source: BBC

It can be easy to think about big games, but what needs to be guaranteed is maximum concentration, determination and focus, and Chelsea were almost perfect in those departments. We have the talent, it is about applying that talent in the best possible way. For a man, we did it today.

Even with the football gods playing their usual chaotic VAR games – Werner’s goal scored by a (arm) hair (!), Kanté’s handball is not ignored because no one really knows what the rules are – Chelsea was able to find the key moment to make the final difference.

It is a “big blow” for Liverpool, as Klopp reflected later, and a big win for Chelsea, a six-point classic with only eleven games left this season.

“We played with courage, we had great moments with the ball, we had moments that we needed to suffer. He never lost his attitude and desire and a deserved victory and great performance. It was a very good team performance. They ask a lot of questions and we need to have the answers.

“Everyone was very brave and everyone was smart. It is a six-point game because the others lose. The race has started, there are 11 games left. Let’s go step by step. We can never rest and never celebrate, there is no time. “

-Thomas Tuchel; source: Sky via BBC

With the victory, Chelsea ends the day in fourth place, although West Ham, in sixth, has one less game. They play on Sunday against Arsenal. Our next match is the next day, against Everton, who also have one less game and are only two points behind in fifth place. (That’s right, Liverpool are in seventh place, after losing five in a row at home for the first time!)

But maybe we will have a little time to enjoy this victory tonight, for just a few hours.