Liverpool, after stepping onto the Stamford Bridge turf to a Guard of Honour, were unable to play like champions as they succumbed to a 3-1 loss to Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea – but the travelling Anfield faithful were sure to give Romeo Lavia plenty of stick upon the Belgian being taken off in the 78th minute.
Chelsea’s instinctive pizzazz in the final third was rewarded within three minutes as Enzo Fernandez finished off a well-worked goal – but it didn’t matter to the thousands that travelled down south as they were too busy celebrating their status as champions
In comical fashion, the west Londoners doubled their lead 10 minutes into the second half after a defensive mix-up in the box. Virgil van Dijk pegged one back before Cole Palmer slotted home past Alisson Becker from the penalty spot.
The scoreline aside, the travelling Liverpool supporters enjoyed their afternoon in the capital and that was encapsulated by how they taunted Lavia, a player they were linked to prior to his transfer to west London in the summer of 2023, when he was substituted.
Liverpool Fans Taunt Lavia Upon Substitution
According to Simon Johnson, The Athletic’s Chelsea correspondent, Lavia – who emerged through Southampton’s star-studded academy before being picked up by the Blues two years ago – was subject to abuse from the Liverpool supporters. He revealed what was being said to one of the Premier League’s brightest young midfielders:
“Gusto is coming on for Lavia… Caicedo will move into the middle. Liverpool fans taunt him with ‘champions’ and ‘you could have won the league’ as he walks past them. He gestures to them as in ‘sing louder’ motion. ‘You could have signed for the champions. CFC fans applaud him off.”
To his credit, the Brussels-born ace – who is also a once-capped Belgium international – let out a wry smile and gestured to the Liverpool fans to sing louder before applauding the home contingent for their undying support. You can watch the footage below:
While the much-beloved Jurgen Klopp was at the helm, the Reds were keen suitors for the talented 21-year-old as a means of rebuilding their engine room after the respective departures of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and James Milner.
Previously, Lavia claimed that opting for Chelsea over Liverpool was a ‘no-brainer’ thanks to the project in the west of the English capital. “You’ve never had my version. It’s all about what you read in the media,” the young Belgian told The Athletic.
Claiming that it was always Chelsea, he continued: “Listen, when I heard about Chelsea and it was from a long time ago before everything started, it was a no-brainer. Some stuff I was reading, I’m not going to say it was fake but my decision was Chelsea.
“The interest from Liverpool was there but, in my head, I wanted to play for Chelsea.”
For now, Lavia may have a slice of regret for choosing Chelsea over the title-winning Liverpool side, who have been led by Arne Slot this season. But, as mentioned, the defensive midfielder is looking ahead and is excited at the prospect of helping Chelsea return to the top.
