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.