Liverpool player ratings vs Chelsea: Mohamed Salah's underwhelming performance contributes to Reds' defeat
Liverpool suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, extending Arne Slot's frustrating streak as manager. Mohamed Salah's poor finishing proved costly in a match that saw the Reds fall behind early on. Despite glimpses of hope, the Egyptian's wayward shooting epitomized Liverpool's struggles on the day.

Liverpool fell to a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge that means Arne Slot is now on his worst run as Liverpool manager. The result ensures Arsenal will head into the international break leading the way in the Premier League table, a point clear of the Reds, with Mohamed Salah's wayward shooting proving a decisive factor in the dismal loss in the capital.Chelsea came flying out of the blocks and made the early breakthrough as Moises Caicedo accelerated past Alexis Mac Allister before unleashing a venomous strike that flew into the top corner and left Premier League debutant Giorgi Mamardashvili with no chance. Liverpool were struggling to get a proper foothold in the game after falling behind although a delicious Salah cross with the outside of his left foot created the visitors' best chance of the half, only for Isak to head over the bar.Salah then had a chance of his own immediately after the half-time break, with Florian Wirtz, brought on at half-time by Slot as he looked to address his side's sluggish performance, nonchalantly flicking the ball into the Egyptian's path only for him to lash a wild shot off target. It summed up a hugely disappointing display from the former Chelsea man, who was uncharacteristically wild with his attempts at goal.The equaliser would eventually arrive, however, with Gakpo smashing into the net after Isak's touch dropped kindly for the Dutchman on the half-volley. Mamardashvili was then forced into making two decent stops to deny Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian, but he could do nothing to stop the Brazilian's winning goal, as he ghosted in at the far post deep into stoppage-time to convert Marc Cucurella's low cross.GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Stamford Bridge...
Liverpool's Slow Start and Early Concession
Chelsea started the game with intense pressure, resulting in an early goal by Moises Caicedo that left Liverpool trailing. Newcomer Giorgi Mamardashvili was left helpless as the ball soared into the top corner, setting a challenging tone for the Reds.
Salah's Frustrating Misses and Inaccurate Finishing
Mohamed Salah, usually Liverpool's reliable goalscorer, had a night to forget with several missed opportunities. From an errant shot to failing to convert Isak's setup, Salah's subpar performance underscored Liverpool's offensive woes.
Gakpo's Equalizer and Late Drama
Liverpool found a lifeline through Cody Gakpo's well-timed strike, briefly boosting hopes of a comeback. However, despite Mamardashvili's valiant saves, Estevao Willian's last-minute winner for Chelsea shattered Liverpool's chances of salvaging a point.
Individual Performances and Slot's Tactical Shifts
While Mamardashvili showcased flashes of talent with crucial saves, Slot's halftime substitutions, including Florian Wirtz's introduction, failed to spark a significant turnaround. Liverpool's lackluster performance was further magnified by Salah's off-day in front of goal.