Luis Suarez’s header earned Liverpool a
point at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on Sunday to extend the Reds’ unbeaten
league run to six games. John Terry had earlier put the hosts in front in the
first half.
Glen Johnson returned to the starting line
up after limping off at half time against Anzi on October 25th. Pepe
Reina was still recovering from his hamstring injury sustained on international
duty. Joining him on the sidelines was Martin Skrtel, with the Slovakian
suffering from illness.
Joe Allen was caught in possession early on
and presented Chelsea with their first opportunity. However, Oscar couldn’t
capitalise on the error, blazing his shot over the bar.
Liverpool dominated the bulk of possession
in the opening 15 minutes. Comfortably knocking the ball around, but failing to
create in the final third.
A pass accidently intercepted by referee Howard
Webb resulted in a Chelsea corner. Mata delivered and John Terry headed in to
give the home side a lead inside 20 minutes.
Nuri Sahin presented Liverpool with their
first chance on the half hour mark, however his shot veered past the far post
and harmlessly wide.
On the brink of half time, Mata found
himself through on goal and certain to double Chelsea’s advantage. The Spaniard
looked to drive past Jones, but a bobble resulted in his effort rising over the
bar.
It was a poor first half for the visitors
in an unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation. The ball was given away easily at times and
not enough support was offered upfront. The general intensity and high pressure
that has been a feature of the Reds’ play, was missing.
The game resumed and Torres almost scored
against his former club. A free kick swung in by Mata was flicked towards the
goal by the number 9, but Jones reacted expertly to deny Torres.
Pressure grew on Rodgers’ side. Chelsea
committed bodies forward in search of a second. Liverpool continued to create
very little.
With a bit more purpose, Steven Gerrard
fired a cross towards Raheem Sterling. The 17-year-old collected and drove
towards goal, just as it seemed to be nestling into the bottom corner, a
crucial block denied him.
Persistence paid off in the 73rd
minute. Jamie Carragher flicked a corner towards the back post for Suarez to
head home from close range. The Uruguayan continuing his scintillating scoring
form.
After the equalizer, Liverpool looked much
the more dangerous team. Late on, Enrique guided Suarez clear of the Chelsea
back four. The striker couldn’t get enough purchase on the ball to take it past
the rushing ‘keeper.
Entering the final minute of stoppage time
a point each seemed the final outcome of the contest.
However, Sterling cut in and fed the ball
to Suarez, who in turn knocked on to Enrique. The Spaniard took a touch and
smashed towards goal. Cech managed to get down to his near post and deny
Liverpool a last gasp winner.
MOTM: Jamie Carragher
The veteran gets my vote. Replacing Martin
Skrtel, a lot were concerned with his inclusion. “He’s past it”, “Mata, Hazard,
Oscar and Torres against Carragher. We’ve lost” were just some of the
statements aired.
Boy did he prove them wrong. Solid and
assured at the back, he did his best to nullify the Chelsea attack, restricting
them to just the one goal.
He also played his part in the goal.
Intelligently flicking the ball on towards the back post for Luis Suarez to tap
in.
Sikander Najib
5 comments:
It is really good to visit to your post guys as we can get new information from here, Thanks for this awesome article..
Hai...nice article...very informative post...i enjoyed reading this blog..thanks for sharing with us.
articles is very nice....
super articles....
Awesome work.Just wanted to drop a comment and say I am new to your blog and really like what I am reading.Thanks for the share.
Post a Comment