Liverpool and Chelsea have produced a long history of dramatic occasions and classic matches at Anfield. This was not one of them.
When referee Michael Oliver sounded his final whistle, Anfield's near-silence was a brutal reflection of the fact this match was nowhere near as entertaining as the 0-0 scoreline might suggest.
Indeed, Anfield was subdued throughout as two of the Premier League giants - currently going through a period of mutual struggle - delivered graphic evidence of why their respective campaigns are those of underachievement.
Liverpool and Chelsea, in their defence, can offer up mitigating circumstances in the shape of injuries and - in the visitors' case - a remarkable spree in the transfer market that has seen a near coachload of new arrivals pitch up at Stamford Bridge requiring integration.