Sports

Sturridge grinds point for Liverpool at Stamford Bridge

Daniel Sturridge’s brilliant long-range strike a minute from full-time at Stamford Bridge in London preserved Liverpool’s unbeaten league run. Chelsea were leading 1-0 before Sturridge struck. Eden Hazard had given the hosts the lead on 25th-minute, after he curled the ball to the far left of the keeper.

Liverpool pressed for an equaliser, almost vainly. Kepa Arrizabalaga saved well from Sadio Mane, before David Luiz had to clear a Roberto Firmino header off the line. The equaliser came in the final minute of normal time from Sturridge, just three minutes after coming on, as the former Chelsea forward curled a fantastic 30-yard strike into the top corner. Arrizabalaga found the shot uncatchable.

With the result, the Londoners have ended Liverpool’s perfect start to the Premier League season. Liverpool had won all six of their previous league matches this term but they lost to Chelsea in the League Cup in midweek. The draw left Liverpool in second place, with champions Manchester City, who beat Brighton 2-0 earlier on Saturday, top on goal difference. NAN

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