Some Chelsea fans were delighted with Cesar Azpilicueta’s performance during the 1-1 Premier League draw at Liverpool on Saturday.

Azpilicueta celebrated his 32nd birthday and 300th Premier League appearance yesterday, and he made his mark with a resolute defensive display.

Kai Havertz gave the Blues the lead in the 22nd minute with a flicked header from a corner that looped over Alisson Becker into the back of the net.

Before the half-time interval, Reece James received his marching orders for a handball offence that denied a clear goalscoring opportunity on the line.

Replays showed that the ball initially made contact with his knee, but referee Anthony Taylor handed a straight red card after a VAR review that seemed harsh.

Mohamed Salah put the Reds level before the break. Despite being a man down, the Blues created opportunities after the interval and held on for a point.

Azpilicueta was hugely instrumental in the defence with nine clearances, six tackles and three interceptions and winning two aerial duels.

Some Chelsea fans were delighted for the club captain, who called out Taylor after the game for not taking a longer look at the James incident.

Twitter reactions:

Azpilicueta is a very underrated captain

— ⋆ Raymond ⋆ (@CFCRaymond) August 28, 2021

Cesar Azpilicueta for Chelsea against Liverpool:

◉ Most touches (79)

◉ Most passes (53)

◉ Most clearances (9)

◉ Joint-most tackles (6)

Putting in a captains performance for the Blues. #CFC

— AkhileshCFC (@Uclchampions21) August 28, 2021

Eduoard Mendy, Christensen, Rudiger and Azpilicueta deserve so much credit for that defensive performance