PLAYER RATINGS: Edouard Mendy produces crucial stops as Firmino goes missing

Chelsea's defence held firm through a second-half bombardment from Liverpool on Saturday, as the 10-man Blues salvaged a point at Anfield.

The Blues' back-line made a good case for themselves as title favourites, smothering Jurgen Klopp's side's push for a winner after a Mo Salah penalty equalised from Kai Havertz's stunning headed opener.

As the star-packed showdown ended in a truce, Sportsmail's RICHARD TANNER ran the rule over the teams.

Liverpool (4-3-3)

Alisson Becker - 6

Could nothing about Havertz's header which was expertly directly into the far corner and otherwise didn't have a lot to do.

Trent Alexander-Arnold 7

Looks right back to his best and underlined his passing ability with one superb long ball to pick out Henderson who missed a great chance.

Joel Matip 7

Turned by Lukaku once in first half but otherwise a solid display. Hit the bar with a header in the incredible goal-mouth scramble just before the break..

Virgil Van Dijk 7

Never looked ruffled by the presence of Lukaku and looks like he has slipped straight back into the old groove after his long lay off.

Andrew Robertson 7

Caught in no-man's land for Havertz goal but was his usual energetic self in his first appearance of the season.

Jordan Henderson 7

Bad early miss from Alexander-Arnold's ball but produced his usual industry and was inches wide with second half shot before being subbed.

Fabinho 7

Back in the team after the death of his father and relished the midfield battle. Had a shot tipped round by Mendy early in the second half.

Harvey Elliott 7

Justified his inclusion in such a big game with a lively display, linking well Salah on the right flank, but he missed a great chance in the first half.

Mo Salah 7

Emphatic penalty put him on 99 Premier League goals and built a good rapport with Elliott on right flank to cause Chelsea problems but wasted second half chance.

Roberto Firmino 5

Recalled for his first start this season but made little impact and Klopp didn't wait till half-time to replace him - sending on Jota after 42 minutes.

Sadio Mane 6

Important early defensive interception to stop Rudiger capitalising on Mount's free-kick and worked his socks off for little reward.

Substitutes:

Jota for Firmino, 42 mins, 6 - went close with header and Liverpool looked far more dangerous after he came on.

Thiago for Henderson, 74 mins, 6

Tsimikas for Robertson 86 mins.

Substitutes (not used): Kelleher, Konate, Keita, Gomez, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Minamino.

Chelsea (3-4-3)

Eduoard Mendy 8

Tried to psyche out Salah before the penalty but was sent the wrong way and then booked following an altercation with Henderson. Made some good second half saves.

Cesar Azpilicueta 7

Nervy moment when he almost turned Salah cross into his own net but otherwise was his usual solid self.

Antonio Rudiger 7

Was in his usual 'thou-shall-not-pass' mood as Chelsea, with a man down, kept Liverpool at bay throughout the second half.

Andreas Christensen 7

Always looks so composed either in the middle of back three or on the right side when Thiago Silva came on at half-time.

Reece James 5

Looked angry and bemused when sent off for what was judged a 'deliberate' handball on the line after Anthony Taylor had looked at VAR.

Jorginho 7

UEFA's player of the year produced his usual under-stated but faultless midifeld display.

N'golo Kante 6

Was having a good game until he was injured in a collision with Mane just before the break and didn't return for second half.

Marcos Alonso 6

Had his work cut out trying to keep Salah and Elliott at bay. Produced a vital interception to stop Salah from profiting from Robertson cross.

Mason Mount 5

Fired his once chance across the face of the goal when he should have cut the ball back for Lukaku.

Romelu Lukaku 5

Found Liverpool's defence a much sterner stuff than Arsenal's the week before and his one shot deflected harmlessly straight at Alisson.

Kai Havertz 6

Showed his quality by scored his first goal since his Champions League winner with a clever header from James' corner but was replaced at half-time as Tuchel re-shuffled.

Substitutes

Thiago Silva for Havertz, 46 mins, 7 - showed great experience skills in Chelsea's second half rearguard action

Matteo Kovacic for Kante, 45 mins, 6 - put in a hard-working shift to help Chelsea dig out a point.

Trevor Chalobah for Jorginho 87 mins.

Substitutes (not used): Arrizabalaga, Werner, Loftus-Cheek, Hudson-Odoi, Chilwell, Ziyech.

Referee: Anthony Taylor 7.