---
title: "Liverpool: Journalist critical of James Milner against Chelsea"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/james-milner-criticised-liverpool-chelsea/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2023-01-21T15:05:24Z"
modified: "2023-01-21T15:05:24Z"
---

# Liverpool: Journalist critical of James Milner against Chelsea

**[Liverpool](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/liverpool-fc-news/) midfielder [James Milner](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tag/james-milner/) has been criticised for his one-v-one showing against Chelsea forward Mykhalo Mudryk.**

### The Lowdown: All square at Anfield…

The Reds are still arguably in contention to qualify for either the Europa League or Europa Conference League this year but currently sit [nine points](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) adrift of a Champions League place. Jurgen Klopp’s side need a steady winning run to salvage anything from this 2022/23 [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) season, but with precisely half of the campaign remaining, there is still hope.

That being said, today’s result will be frustrating, having been held to a 0-0 draw at home to mid-table rivals Chelsea. Liverpool fought hard to try and claim victory but ultimately it was a [match of dubious quality](https://www.skysports.com/football/liverpool-vs-chelsea/report/464841).

The two sides locked swords but no obvious winner could be drawn as both teams had [chances of their own](https://www.skysports.com/football/liverpool-vs-chelsea/report/464841) which they ultimately failed to convert.

### The Latest: Milner criticised…

Chelsea’s recent signing Mudryk threated to change that, giving Liverpool captain Milner a tough time at right-back when introduced 10 minutes into the second half.

The Ukrainian’s blistering pace spelt trouble for the Reds veteran, who hacked down the 22-year-old soon after the attacker was brought on to provide a cutting edge for the visitors.

It didn’t take long for Klopp to haul off the 37-year-old for Trent Alexander-Arnold, with reporter Richard Buxton criticising Milner after an afternoon to forget against the Blues’ marquee January signing.

The reporter [tweeted](https://twitter.com/RichardBuxton_/status/1616797355688214528): “Milner really struggling up against Mudryk, who’s beating him for pace every time”.

[Liverpool Transfer News and Rumours](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/liverpool-transfer-news-and-rumours/)

### The Verdict: Off-day for Milner…

In terms of the 37-year-old’s all-round game, [SofaScore](https://www.sofascore.com/liverpool-chelsea/NsU) figures suggest that it may have been an afternoon to forget for Milner overall.

In his 72 minutes on the pitch, the Englishman lost possession a worrying [28 times](https://www.sofascore.com/liverpool-chelsea/NsU) whilst winning just [one out of six ground duels](https://www.sofascore.com/liverpool-chelsea/NsU). He also ranked as Liverpool’s [worst starter](https://www.sofascore.com/liverpool-chelsea/NsU) and completed just [one successful dribble](https://www.sofascore.com/liverpool-chelsea/NsU) out of four.

Going by the numbers, Alexander-Arnold possibly should have been introduced sooner to provide more of a threat on the right-hand side with his deadly distribution, having completed [three long passes](https://www.sofascore.com/liverpool-chelsea/NsU) in his relatively brief appearance.

After today’s events, don’t be surprised if Milner is restored to the bench for the FA Cup trip to Brighton next weekend.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”419074″\]