Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by Liverpool in a breathtaking encounter at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The Blues were without striker Romelu Lukaku who was dropped by the manager Thomas Tuchel while Liverpool missed Jurgen Klopp and Alisson Becker who are isolated after contracting COVID-19.

However, the game didn’t fail to meet expectations as both teams went toe-to-toe from the whistle.

Sadio Mané who heads to Africa for the Nations Cup in about a week gave Liverpool a parting gift after just nine minutes.

The Senegalese capitalised on a slip from Trevoh Chalobah to slot in the opener for the visitors, beating his countryman Edouard Mendy.

Egyptian Mohamed Salah netted a brilliant finish in the 26th minute by drilling his way through Chelsea’s defence, showing Klopp what he’ll miss when he also leaves for the African Nations Cup in Cameroon.

Liverpool failed to defend their two-goal lead and the Merseysiders paid for their lacklustre defending before the break.

Mateo Kovačić pulled one back for Tuchel’s side with a 42nd-minute worldie to begin the resurgence.

After spotting a crack in the Liverpool wall, Christian Pulisic (45+1′) doubled the lead in the stoppage time of the first half.

Both sides resumed the second half in search of a winner but goalkeepers Mendy and Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher were outstanding to deny clear goal chances, ensuring they shared the spoils.

Chelsea are 10 points behind league leaders Manchester City who they face next on January 15 at the Etihad Stadium.

Liverpool on the other hand trail City by 11 points with one game at hand.