Tuesday 13 November 2012

Chelsea v Liverpool


After defeat to Anzhi on Thursday in the Europa League, Liverpool looked to bounce back away to Chelsea.

A stronger team than usual took to the field as Liverpool craved a win despite being unbeaten for five matches.

Chelsea nearly opened the scoring in the sixth minute as Joe Allen gave up possession in the centre w Hazard claimed the ball and put Juan Mata on a clean path to goal with Mata denied by excellent defending by Wisdom.

Liverpool played with three in the centre-back line and dominated the possession but as is the story with the Reds, possession always seems to lack a goal threat which Chelsea had in their locker.

Ivanovic tested the Liverpool barrier with a hit from 30 yards which flew over,  this was a warning which proved decisive in the 20th minute as Juan Mata swung in a corner which allowed Terry to connect at the near post and put the home side ahead.

The game could have been sealed in the 27th minute as Hazard ran clear of Allen before setting up Torres, but the former Liverpool hero tried to place a shot and was denied by Jones who allowed Hazard to rebound but his shot failed to add to the score.

In the 35th minute the game came to a startling halt for 10 minutes as Suarez and Terry collided after Suarez evaded a challenge only to crash into Terry who came off worse as his leg bent backwards and meant he left the field via a stretcher to be replaced by Cahill.


Terry's absence failed to affect Chelsea's attacking flow as just before the break, Mata spurned a glorious chance while one-on-one with Jones but he directed the ball over the bar.

Liverpool needed to perk up and get back into the game but just like in the first half, Chelsea continued their attacking pressure but Mata's long-range effort narrowly missed the target.

 Rodgers changed the Liverpool setup with Suso replacing Sahin and just like last week, the Spaniard was involved in the equaliser as he swung in a corner in the 72nd minute which glanced the head of Carragher and flicked towards goal only to be put in by Suarez who reacted quicker then Ramires to nod in from a yard out and celebrate rapturously in front of the travelling supporters.

Both teams chased a winner with Liverpool looking the most likely after resorting to a back four and Suso had a great chance from a Sterling cross but his shot lacked the required composure to trouble Cech.

Suarez unleashed an effort from just inside the Chelsea half which caught Cech off guard but stayed out and Ivanovic came close with a header from a corner.

The end neared and both had enough time for a final chance each with Hazard angling a shot just wide of the top corner before a golden chance or Liverpool as Suarez slipped a pass to Enrique on the left edge of the box but Enrique's shot at the bottom corner was well saved by Cech as the final whistle went.


Another draw for Liverpool but a positive one against a very tough opposition and signs that the win they crave is on the horizon, next up is the hosting of Wigan with Liverpool hoping to exact revenge for the defeat at the back of last season which fell during a blessed spell for the Latics as they beat Arsenal and Man Utd as part of an amazing run.







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