Marc Cucurella praised Chelsea’s resilience after the Blues ended their miserable Premier League run with a battling draw at Liverpool, offering hope ahead of next week’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Chelsea looked set for another difficult afternoon when Ryan Gravenberch curled Liverpool ahead inside six minutes at Anfield.
But Enzo Fernandez responded with a free-kick that drifted into the net as the visitors fought back to earn a point.
The result halted Chelsea’s alarming slide and gave interim boss Calum McFarlane encouragement before the Wembley showdown with City.
“We showed that if we fight together, we are a very good team,” Cucurella said after the game.
“Hopefully this gives us confidence because next week is massive.”
McFarlane opted for a back three for only the fourth time this season, and the switch appeared to bring greater balance to a side that had looked fragile in recent weeks.
The return of Levi Colwill after a long absence proved crucial.
The defender brought calmness in possession and leadership at the back, while Wesley Fofana and Jorrel Hato also impressed in the reshaped defence.
McFarlane described Colwill as “the best player on the pitch” and highlighted his importance in helping Chelsea play out from the back.
The system also allowed Cucurella to push further forward as an attacking wing-back, causing Liverpool problems down the flank.
Cole Palmer looked sharper despite seeing a goal ruled out for offside, while Chelsea’s overall display showed far more organisation and determination than in recent weeks.
The Blues have endured a turbulent period, with Liam Rosenior leaving the club, poor league form destroying Champions League hopes, and injuries limiting attacking options.
Yet McFarlane’s side showed enough at Anfield - and previously in their FA Cup semi-final win over Leeds - to suggest they could still finish the season on a high.
Chelsea remain far from convincing domestically, with only one league win in their last 11 matches and no clean sheet in 14 games, but the performance offered much-needed belief before facing Guardiola’s City at Wembley.
