Ryan Gravenberch confronted the crowd reaction after Liverpool were held to a 1–1 draw with Chelsea, questioning the boos that greeted the full-time whistle at Anfield. Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk both hit the woodwork as Liverpool pushed for a winner, while Florian Wirtz missed the game through illness.

At full-time a chorus of boos rang around the ground. Speaking to TNT Sports, Gravenberch said: “To be honest, we need them (the fans) behind us,” and added: “OK we didn’t win, but I don’t really think we deserved this [reaction]. The fans have to be behind us for the full 90 minutes because when they were behind us in the second half, we were pressing really well. We need them. Hopefully they wouldn’t do it again in the next two games.”

The midfielder conceded the squad were frustrated by the result, noting that “of course” Liverpool were disappointed and that it “hasn’t been a great season” as Champions League soccer for 2026–27 remains unconfirmed.

Arne Slot faced renewed scrutiny over team management and selection after removing Rio Ngumoha with just over 20 minutes remaining, a decision that drew audible reaction from the stands. Slot told reporters that Ngumoha had asked to be substituted because of cramp: “I had contact with him and he said that it was enough, so that’s why I took him off.” He defended the tactical call: “He’s a good player but I don’t think he’s at the level yet to play at 60 or 50 per cent to then make the difference.”

Slot acknowledged that “maybe the fans have a different opinion” and said he “knew the moment his number went up that that would have been the reaction.” He remained steadfast that he can win back sceptical supporters, saying: “Yes, I do [believe he can turn things around and win back the trust of supporters]. Not this season, by the way. This season they will have their opinion and it will not change.

“But if we can have the summer that we are planning to have, then I’m 100 per cent convinced that we will be a different team next season than we are now. Different in terms of results, different in how things look, but it’s not always that simple because sometimes you know what you have to do, but it’s not always possible to also get exactly what you want. For us, for me, it’s really clear what we are lacking this season and we’re trying with the players we have now because one of the things we are lacking is players that are fit.”

Slot pointed to the club’s injury problems. The £125 million British transfer record signing Alexander Isak has been largely unavailable, Jeremie Frimpong has been in and out with niggles and struggled against Chelsea, and Hugo Ekitiké’s season ended with a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Bournemouth have suspended right-back Álex Jiménez while the club investigates messages alleged to have been exchanged with an account operated by a user claiming to be a 15-year-old girl. The club confirmed the decision in a statement issued on Friday.

“AFC Bournemouth are aware of posts circulating on social media involving right-back, Álex Jimenez. The club understand the seriousness of the matter and it is currently being investigated.

“As a result, Álex will not be included in the squad for tomorrow’s Premier League game against Fulham and the club will be making no further comment at this time.”

Jiménez was omitted from Bournemouth’s travelling party for the Premier League fixture, his first absence from a top-flight matchday group since joining the club eight months ago.

Departing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, who has been linked to Manchester United among others, was asked about the situation by BBC Radio Solent ahead of Saturday’s fixture in west London. He acknowledged the club must complete its inquiries before any further action is taken.

“The club has to do their investigations and see what has really happened,” he said. “We will then move from there. I hope it’s not what we think.”

The club’s statement and the manager’s comments confirm that a formal process is under way and that the player will not be considered for immediate selection while the matter is examined. Bournemouth have said they will make no further comment at this stage.

Chelsea left Anfield with a 1-1 draw after recovering from an early deficit but will rue a missed chance to claim all three points. Enzo Fernández’s free-kick cross sneaked inside the bottom corner for the equaliser, a strike described in the match as fortunate but earned by Chelsea’s growing control of the first half. Cole Palmer had what might have been a winner shortly after the restart, only for the effort to be ruled out by a narrow offside.

The result offered little clarity for either side’s Champions League ambitions. Chelsea’s bid is not quite over, and Liverpool’s remains unsealed.

The Blues’ recurring vulnerability to early goals remains a clear problem. After shipping the first of three Nottingham Forest goals after 83 seconds on Monday afternoon, João Pedro lamented a common theme for Chelsea. “This is the Premier League,” he fretted, “if you concede very early, it’s difficult to come back. Everyone needs to look at themselves, me included, to find a way to do better. I feel sorry for the fans.” That pattern continued at Anfield when Ryan Gravenberch needed six minutes to bend the ball beyond Filip Jörgensen following a second-phase set piece. It was the ninth goal Chelsea have conceded in the opening 10 minutes of Premier League matches this season, a tally only surpassed by relegated and manager-less Burnley.

Chelsea responded well after the early setback and forced Liverpool into a more cautious shape, allowing the visitors to exert authority on the match. Fernández’s equaliser could have proved decisive had the opening moments not again worked against Chelsea.

Player ratings
GK: Filip Jörgensen — 6.6. Might have reached Gravenberch’s strike but produced several important saves thereafter.
RB: Malo Gusto — 6.7. A lively contest with Rio Ngumoha, trading small victories.
CB: Wesley Fofana — 6.8. Limited impact; a missed aerial challenge at the goal from Fernández’s cross was telling.
CB: Levi Colwill — 7.3. First Premier League start of the season following a torn ACL; a solid return despite expected rust.
LB: Jorrel Hato — 7.2. Largely untroubled by Jeremie Frimpong.
CM: Enzo Fernández — 7.0. Roamed freely across midfield and found the equaliser.
CM: Moisés Caicedo — 7.8. Defensive linchpin, often operating as a fifth defender and covering all thirds.
CM: Andrey Santos — 6.4. Frequently a stride behind his marker.
RW: Cole Palmer — 6.6. Threatened but lacked decisive end product.
ST: João Pedro — 6.9. Created space and openings, the sharpest of Chelsea’s attackers.
LW: Marc Cucurella — 6.6. Adapted well when pushed higher amid an injury crisis.
SUB: Reece James (63’ for Santos) — 7.1. Failed to make a lasting imprint.

Unused subs: Gaga Slonina, Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, Mathis Eboué, Roméo Lavia, Liam Delap, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen.

Match statistics
Possession: Liverpool 48% | Chelsea 52%
Expected Goals (xG): Liverpool 0.51 | Chelsea 0.47
Total Shots: Liverpool 8 | Chelsea 6
Shots on Target: Liverpool 3 | Chelsea 3
Big Chances: Liverpool 1 | Chelsea 1
Passing Accuracy: Liverpool 84% | Chelsea 86%
Fouls Committed: Liverpool 2 | Chelsea 4