Steven Gerrard will be strangely missed by Stamford Bridge

Standing in the tunnel, about to give Chelsea a very painful guard of honour, Steven Gerrard looked as if he were chewing a wasp.

But respect was duly given to the champions – later to be returned by the Chelsea fans, who offered a standing ovation as he left the greenest turf of SW6 for the final time.

In between there was pantomime, as you'd expect, and a goal – which he failed to celebrate.

Gerrard has been a great competitor in these matches – even if he has tended to offer Chelsea some bizarre advantages at times.

It could have all been very different if he hadn't bottled out of signing for the Blues way back when – and one suspects that both he, and the fans here today, know that.

Battle: Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is ready

Before the game kicked off, John Mikel Obi could be seen whispering a few words in the ear of his youthful midfield partner.

But it was Ruben Loftus-Cheek, starting his first Premier League game, who could well have been doling out the advice.

He was stately, assured and made a real physical impact in the middle of the park.

With 100 per cent pass completion in the opening 15 minutes, and just one slightly short ball to Kurt Zouma after that – which came to no harm.

Loftus-Cheek now has two more competitive games plus pre-season, to convince Jose Mourinho that he is a viable option for the next campaign.

Tussle: Steven Gerrard competes with Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard was on his hols

There were plenty in this parade lap who looked like their minds were elsewhere.

The game rarely rose above the level of a testimonial, or pre-season friendly, and none were more relaxed about it than Eden Hazard.

He seemed to be showcasing for a new position – seat F27 on the flight to Alicante, to be precise.

But, after a season in which he has set alight the Premier League with his talent and hard work, and powered Chelsea to their first title in five years, most will cut him some slack for that.

Still going strong: Chelsea's John Terry

John Terry looks as fresh as ever

After playing 90 minutes of every Premier League game this season, John Terry barely put a foot wrong today.

And popping up with a goal just added to his credentials as one of the Blues very best this season – his 17th with the club.

Superlatives are not enough for the man, who steadfastly refuses to fade.

Boss: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers won't have won many fans here

In a game that mattered little to Chelsea, Brendan Rodgers had the chance to chase the league points to push his side up the league.

He never really bothered – and that will not please those who buy the tickets that pay his wages.

Rodgers is walking a fine line at the moment.