Madueke unused sub, Chukwuemeka not listed as Liverpool hold Chelsea

Super Eagles prospect Noni Madueke was an unused substitute on Tuesday night as Chelsea were held to a goalless draw by Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

Madueke has played just five games in the Premier League with 215 minutes of league action to boot but was not deemed needed in the high octane clash between clubs struggling to break into the European places.

Fellow Anglo-Nigerian, Carney Chukwuemeka was not listed by interim manager Bruno Salter.

In the 6th minute, Chelsea's Mateo Kovacic connected with an accurate pass inside the box and fired the ball to the bottom right corner, but one of the defending players stepped in to block the effort.

Kai Havertz got on the end of a defence splitting pass inside the box and immediately directed a low shot towards the middle of the goal, but Alisson in Liverpool goal made a great save.

Chelsea continued their dominance in the first half but ultimately it did not produce the goods. Wing-back, Reece James had his strike overruled by VAR as  Enzo Fernandez was in an offiside position. 

Before the half time break, Liverpool’s Joe Gomez received a clever pass and shot from mid-range.

His effort seemed to be heading in the the top right corner, but Kepa  had other ideas and produced a brilliant save. It was just a corner kick for the Reds.

Chelsea had a second goal of the night canceled as Havertz inadvertently touched the ball on his way to poking the ball on second attempt past the Liverpool goalkeeper.

The Blues' profligacy in front of goal continued as Felix failed to find the net in the 78th minute as he skied his shot wide.

Enzo Fernandez also had a late opportunity to grab the decisive goal but was not precise enough.

Izuchukwu Michael

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