The last time Liverpool conceded a goal like the one Mateo Kovacic volleyed in at Stamford Bridge, it was delivered by the boot of Eric Cantona and cost them an FA Cup Final. This one – a quarter of a century later – may go some way to costing Liverpool the Premier League.
Goals change games and this one really did. Liverpool were two goals ahead and coasting when the ball dropped to Kovacic from Caoimhin Kelleher’s punch three minutes before half-time. At that stage, Chelsea had not managed a single shot on target and lacked direction and control in all areas of the field.