Christian Benteke’s stoppage time equaliser ensured Liverpool finished their Premier League campaign at Anfield with a draw against Chelsea.

Eden Hazard had opened the scoring for the visitors shortly after the half-hour mark as Guus Hiddink’s side appeared destined to steal the spoils from a shot-shy Reds.

But in the last game played before the old Main Stand, Benteke, on as a late substitute, headed home in the 91st minute to salvage a point for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Here were the main talking points from Anfield’s season curtain call…

Reds need to buck up before Basel

All eyes may have been on Anfield but Liverpool’s heads already appeared to be seven days ahead of themselves.

Next week’s Europa League final continues to steal focus, with the majority of the Reds’ line-up going through the motions against a Chelsea side with only pride to salvage.

Even Jurgen Klopp was as exasperated as the home crowd by what was unfolding with what is likely to be his starting line-up against Sevilla next Wednesday.

Whether it was attributable to lethargy, following a season of rigorous toil, or merely self-preservation, in an attempt to avoid injury before the showpiece affair, Liverpool barely broke out of first gear for large parts of this encounter.

A repeat performance in Switzerland will not be tolerated as willingly.

Simple Simon, rather than smart, required

Klopp previously hailed Simon Mignolet as ‘one of the smartest I have ever had’. On this evidence, it was clear that intellect has suppressed the Belgian’s ability to undertake tasks of simplicity.

His lapsed judgement, in backing off as he attempted to close down an advancing Bertrand Traore, late in the first half. Had the Chelsea striker not fired a shot wide of target, it could have been a costly mistake.

The visitors kept Mignolet busy at regular intervals, allowing him to showcase his shot-stopping abilities – an element of his game which has never been under question.

Going back to basics, however, remains a work in progress and one which may seal his fate this summer.

Benteke finally realises his calling

As Daniel Sturridge endured an out-of-sorts evening against his former employers, Klopp turned to Mignolet’s compatriot Christian Benteke as Liverpool’s plan B.

Perhaps this is where the much-maligned striker’s calling has lain all along. Benteke has rarely excelled when charged with leading the line this season, making a mockery of his £32 million price tag.

With Liverpool’s attack flourishing with the likes of Sturridge, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho at its fore, he has been deemed increasingly surplus to requirement.

But as with many players since Klopp’s arrival, Benteke has enjoyed a renewed lease of life as an impact substitute. He appears to have made peace with that fact and spared his side’s blushes with a late equaliser.

Maybe there is hope for the former Aston Villa man on Merseyside after all.

Anfield revival makes for forlorn season end

This season will be seen off by both Klopp and Liverpool with a heavy heart – and not just because the old Main Stand is set to be consigned to history.

It had been 217 days since the effusive German succeeded Brendan Rodgers at the helm and in the 50 games which ensued, Anfield has bore witness to an impressive, fortress-like record; recording just three defeats from 25 outings on home soil.

Even in the low points of this encounter, the Kop roused on the players with that hair-raising roar. It may not have been a night up there with the likes of Borussia Dortmund or Villarreal, but that spirit has seen Klopp’s side through more than their fair share of scrapes.

Above all, Anfield has found its voice again, with pride and passion once again displayed in abundance. It seems almost a shame that the summer will bring an end to what has been a true rollercoaster season.