Premier League action is back in full swing as Chelsea make their way to Anfield to face Liverpool in what promises to be an electrifying encounter. Chelsea, with a perfect away record this season, will face league leaders Liverpool in the primetime Sunday slot. Both teams are in excellent form, but history and statistics suggest this could be a closely contested affair.
Anfield, Chelsea’s most-visited away ground, has historically been a tough place for the Blues, but recent form suggests there’s plenty of reason for optimism. With both sides performing better away from home this season, this clash may hinge on key moments and individual performances.
Recent Record at Anfield
Chelsea have lost just three of their last 12 Premier League visits to Liverpool’s home ground. Those defeats came consecutively in April 2019 and July 2020, with last season’s corresponding fixture adding to the tally. Despite these setbacks, Chelsea's last win at Anfield came in March 2021, when Mason Mount's superb goal secured a 1-0 victory. The Londoners will be looking to replicate that success and improve their record at a ground that has historically been challenging.
Madueke’s Magic
One player to keep an eye on is winger Noni Madueke, who has been in exceptional form. In Chelsea’s recent match against Nottingham Forest, Madueke had an astonishing 20 touches inside the opposition's penalty area — the most by any player in a single Premier League match this season. His ability to get into dangerous positions will be critical as Chelsea aim to break down Liverpool’s defense.
Madueke's partnership with Cole Palmer has been particularly fruitful. The duo has combined to create 15 chances for each other this season, the highest for any pairing in the Premier League. Madueke’s four goals in six appearances this term already put him just one shy of his total from last season (five goals in 23 matches), demonstrating his growing influence in the team.
Cole Palmer: Playmaker Extraordinaire
Cole Palmer has been a revelation for Chelsea this season. He leads the Premier League in chances created from open play with 21, two more than any other player in the competition. Palmer’s creativity will be key in unlocking Liverpool’s high line, especially as Chelsea look to exploit space behind their defense.
Palmer's Player of the Month performance in September highlights his influence, and his link-up with Madueke could be a deciding factor in Sunday’s match. If he can maintain his form, Liverpool’s defense will have plenty to worry about.
Chelsea’s Fast Break Prowess
Another key element of Chelsea’s game has been their proficiency in fast breaks. No team in the Premier League has conjured more fast breaks or taken more shots from these situations than Chelsea (11) this season. Their ability to counterattack at speed will be vital, particularly given Liverpool’s tendency to press high up the pitch, which can leave them vulnerable to quick transitions.
Away Day Success
Chelsea are aiming to win their first four away league matches of the season, something they’ve only achieved twice before — in 2005/06 and 2008/09. Their away form has been impeccable, and if they manage to secure a win on Sunday, they will cement their status as one of the best traveling teams in the league.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, has also been rewriting the record books. He’s on course to become only the fifth manager in Premier League history to win each of his first four away games. Among those to have achieved this feat is Liverpool’s own Arne Slot, making this managerial battle even more intriguing.
Head-to-Head Record
Despite Chelsea’s recent struggles at Anfield, the fixture has produced memorable moments. The Blues have won just once in their last nine Premier League visits to Liverpool (D5, L3), but they will be confident given their current form. The last victory at Anfield came during the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2021, when Mason Mount’s sublime strike handed Chelsea a crucial three points.
Key Defensive Numbers
Defensively, Chelsea have been solid this season, with the fewest goals conceded among top Premier League teams. They have not lost in their last 30 Premier League matches when leading at half-time, a testament to their ability to hold onto a lead. This resilience will be tested against Liverpool, whose attacking prowess has been formidable under Arne Slot.
Final Thoughts
This Sunday’s showdown at Anfield promises to be a thrilling affair, with both Chelsea and Liverpool showing signs of dominance on the road. For Chelsea, a victory would solidify their top-four aspirations and extend their perfect away record this season. Liverpool, meanwhile, will be looking to maintain their position at the summit of the table.
Key players like Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Mason Mount (if selected) will need to be at their best to help the Blues overcome their Anfield hoodoo. With both teams packed with attacking talent and managers with contrasting styles, fans can expect a high-energy, fast-paced contest that could go down to the wire.
Will Chelsea’s perfect away record continue? Or will Liverpool once again prove too strong at home? One thing is certain: Premier League drama awaits.
Key Stats Recap:
Chelsea have lost 3 of their last 12 Premier League away games against Liverpool, including last season’s defeat.
Noni Madueke had the most touches in the opposition box in a single Premier League match this season (20).
Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke have created 15 chances for each other, the most by any duo in the league.
Palmer leads the Premier League with 21 chances created from open play.
Chelsea have had the most fast breaks (11) in the league this season.
Chelsea are unbeaten in their past 30 Premier League games when leading at half-time.
Chelsea are aiming to win their first four away league games of a season for the third time in history.
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