Liverpool’s title defence has ended in tatters as an injury crisis and poor form have seen the champions slip well off the pace, leaving Champions League qualification as the most realistic aim for the run-in this season.
Concerns about Chelsea’s own hopes cost Frank Lampard his job at Stamford Bridge, and replacement Tuchel will have been told in no uncertain terms that a top-four finish is expected given the attacking riches at his disposal.
Fellow hopefuls Manchester United and Leicester City have both hit runs of poor form, meaning a win for either team tonight on Merseyside would thrust them back into the race.
Chelsea headed into half-time a goal up following a fine Mason Mount finish, while Timo Werner had earlier seen an effort ruled out following a tight VAR offside call.
Follow all the goals and latest action on our LIVE blog with James Robson at Anfield.
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80 mins: Jurgen Klopp’s final change. James Milner is on to try and drive his side on, with Thiago the man to make way.
Meanwhile, the goalscorer, Mason Mount, is withdrawn, with Mateo Kovacic sent on to help see this out.
77 mins: Big save, because that would’ve been curtains. It’s Werner on the break again and the angle is tight. He tries to slip between Alisson’s legs but the ‘keeper makes the block.
75 mins: Chelsea have what they came for and are becoming increasingly content to sit in. Liverpool aren’t showing any signs of unlocking them, to be honest.
70 mins: Into the final twenty minutes, then. You sense the more Liverpool push, the more that Chelsea threat is there to seal it on the break.
Still no clear-cut chance for the home side since that Mane scuff in the first half.
66 mins: Thomas Tuchel’s turn to look to his bench – Christian Pulisic is on for Hakim Ziyech.
62 mins: A big call this from Jurgen Klopp – Mo Salah has been dragged. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is on, and with him Diogo Jota, as Curtis Jones makes way, too.
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Liverpool look a lot better in this half, but Chelsea have had the better chances with Ziyech so close to adding to their lead and Werner fractions away from connecting from close range.
56 mins: Feels like a matter of time, this. Ziyech now lifts a wonderful pass in behind from out on the right flank but Werner can’t quite connect at full stretch.
Chelsea work it nicely to get Chilwell in and Alisson saves his effort but is beaten by Ziyech with the rebound. Forntunately for Liverpool, Robertson gets back behind his ‘keeper to clear.
52 mins: If anyone saw the Fulham game earlier on, regardles of what you think of either decision, it’s ridiculous that we’ve gotten ourselves into a position where that’s not a handball against Kante, but one against Lemina was.
