Daniel Sturridge Earns Liverpool Late Draw Against Chelsea in Premier League

Liverpool and Chelsea split the points in Saturday's marquee Premier League matchup at Stamford Bridge. The Blues appeared to be on their way to a win, but Daniel Sturridge's spectacular late equaliser saw the game end 1-1.

Eden Hazard gave the hosts the lead after 25 minutes, but Sturridge beat goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga with a phenomenal strike from outside the box in the 89th minute.

The result leaves the Reds level with defending champions Manchester City at the top of the standings, just two points ahead of the Blues.

Sarri Will Turn Hazard Into 25-Goal Scorer

Hazard continued his excellent scoring run in the first half, finishing off a wonderful passing move set up by Mateo Kovacic.

It was a clean finish toward the bottom-right corner, giving goalkeeper Alisson Becker no chance.

As shared by Squawka Football, the Belgian has been in excellent form in the league―he also scored in the Carabao Cup―and his efficiency stands out the most:

Manager Maurizio Sarri has Chelsea playing some fantastic attacking football, and his impact has been greatest on Hazard. The former Lille star entered the season coming off a great FIFA World Cup, but he didn't show this kind of scoring form in Russia.

Scoring has never been Hazard's strong suit, evidenced by his 16-goal high in a single Premier League season. The Italian believes his ceiling is much higher:

It's not absurd to think that Hazard can come close to 30 goals in this system and with this kind of efficiency. The Blues might need him to, given their lack of an ace striker.

Last Year's Salah Isn't Coming Back

Manager Jurgen Klopp decided to take Mohamed Salah off with more than 20 minutes still on the clock  with his team trailing. That decision summed up the Egyptian's night and the struggles he has had this season.

On Saturday, he again failed to make the most of his chances, including a weak finish that allowed Antonio Rudiger to clear the ball just before the line and a handful of horrendous crosses that failed to find the target.

Liverpool fan Graeme Kelly feels his body language is nothing like last year's:

It was always going to be difficult to follow up the record-setting campaign Salah had last year, and it's time to accept he isn't going to repeat those scoring heroics.

There's every chance he rediscovers his form and ups his production, but he won't come close to the 30-goal mark this year. Liverpool fans have to adjust their expectations rather than wait for last year's magic to return.

What's Next?

Liverpool visit Napoli in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, while Chelsea host Vidi in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.