Chelsea finally showed signs of life when they needed it most. After a six-match losing streak in the Premier League, the Blues managed to steady the ship and avoid what could have been a historic collapse.
The timing couldn't have been better. With fan protests planned on Wembley Way before next weekend's FA Cup final against Manchester City, Chelsea at least won't head into the showpiece event on the back of yet another defeat. Had the losing run continued at Anfield, it would have marked seven consecutive league losses for only the second time in the club's 118-year history—and the first time in 74 years. They would also have become the first team in English football history to lose seven straight matches heading into an FA Cup final.
For interim head coach Calum McFarlane, this was about stopping the bleeding. His first league match in charge ended in a dismal 3-1 defeat to a second-string Nottingham Forest side, but Monday's result offered a glimmer of hope. McFarlane can point to several positives: he earned his first victory of this second spell in charge in the FA Cup semi-final against Leeds at Wembley, and at Anfield—against another side struggling for form—his tactical decisions largely paid off.
The return of centre-back Levi Colwill, making his first appearance in 10 months, coincided with Chelsea switching to a back three for just the third time this season. While the Blues conceded from Liverpool's first shot and briefly lost their way, they recovered to equalize deservedly. It wasn't a vintage performance, but it was a clear improvement and something to build on.
McFarlane's decision to focus attacks down the left through Marc Cucurella paid dividends. Cole Palmer showed signs of rediscovering his form within the system, and the approach helped Chelsea manage an attacking injury crisis that has left four wingers sidelined. Chelsea remain just about in the hunt for European football, though there is plenty of work to do in their remaining two Premier League matches.
More importantly, they now have something to cling to before the cup final—even if Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side remain formidable opponents. For a team that has endured a bleak spell costing former head coach Liam Rosenior his job, this small step in the right direction could be the foundation for something bigger.