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Daniel Sturridge scored one of his finest career goals to earn Liverpool a late point at Stamford Bridge.

Eden Hazard’s first-half strike had given Chelsea a lead that they preserved with comfort for much of the game, Mohamed Salah and his substitute Xherdan Shaqiri missing the Reds’ most glorious chances before Sturridge struck.

Klopp opted to pull Naby Keita and Fabinho from his midfield to give the starting XI a familiar look as Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson returned to the side.

It was a tactic that didn’t seem to work early on, Chelsea having the better of things as Andy Robertson fell asleep, allowing William to profit from David Luiz’s ball over the top – Alisson on hand to make the first of a few smart saves as he burst out quickly.

The Brazilian couldn’t stop Hazard’s effort a few minutes later though, Trent Alexander-Arnold being dragged out of position by some slick midfield moves by the Blues, Hazard sent away down the left by Mateo Kovacic to slide the ball across goal and into the corner.

Liverpool made a good fist of their response with much of he attacking impetus coming through Salah, who was left stunned as Antonio Rudiger cleared his goalbound effort off the line after the Egyptian had rounded Kepa.

Sadio Mane was enduring a quiet evening but one moment of quality at the start of the second half almost saw him score, as he shuffled between two men in the area before forcing Kepa to save at his near post.

That effort was met by further Chelsea attacking as Alisson underlined his ever-growing importance to this Liverpool team with an impressive save from Hazard.

Taking a free-kick quickly, the hosts caught Liverpool cold and had their main man bearing down on goal, only for Alisson to spread himself brilliantly and save.

Sensing changes were needed, Klopp hooked Salah for Shaqiri and was left bemused as the Swiss missed a point-blank chance from Andy Robertson’s cross minutes before Roberto Firmino had his header swept from the line by David Luiz.

With another substitute, Naby Keita, proving with little fortune, Klopp’s final throw of the dice came in the form of Daniel Sturridge – who landed on a double six.

Sturridge’s fourth goal of the season, and finest may prove to be his most important as he secured an inconsistent Liverpool display was rewarded with a draw by curling into the top corner from 25 yards.

It ensures second place for the Reds ahead of another huge week, with Napoli on Wednesday before Manchester City rock up to Anfield in eight days time.

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