OREANDA-NEWS. "The Chelsea" players drew with "Liverpool" 2-2 at home in the 21st round of the English championship. The encounter took place at Stamford Bridge in London.

"Liverpool" were 2-0 up by half time thanks to goals from Sadio Mane (9th minute) and Mohamed Salah (26th). But "Chelsea" levelled the scores before the break thanks to Mateo Kovacic (42) and Christian Pulisic (45+1).

Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku, the most expensive transfer in the history of the London club, missed the game. Earlier this week, an interview with the player was released in which he admitted he was unhappy with his role at "Chelsea" and also expressed regret that he left Inter in the summer.

"Liverpool" had to do without several key players in this meeting, whose coronavirus tests came back positive. Goalkeeper Alisson, midfielders Roberto Firmino and Joel Matip missed the game. "Liverpool" head coach Jurgen Klopp also missed the match due to a dubious test result.

"Chelsea" are second on the table with 43 points. "Liverpool" are third, with 42 points and one game in hand. "Manchester City" are the leaders, with 53 points.

In the next fixture, "Chelsea" travel to face "Manchester City" on January 15, while "Liverpool" take on "Brentford" a day later.