Chelsea Vs Liverpool
Sunday 11th February - Kick off 4.00 pm
FA Carling Premiereship - Venue, Stamford Bridge
Chelsea Vs Liverpool - Seen on Sky Sports, Commentators Rob Hawthrone and Andy Gray
Watching this game you would hardly have known it was one both teams could have done with the win. Earlier in the day Manchester City had beaten Manchester United. This gave Chelsea the chance to gain 3 points on United to keep them in the title race, and from Liverpool's perspective meant a rival for the fourth European Cup spot had got their three points, and with other contenders, Everton and Aston Villa, both winning on Saturday, Liverpool needed the win to not lose ground.
Liverpool started the better in a cagey opening. Their passing was bright early on and they had the better of the early possession. The first chance fell to Peter Crouch after a good move by Liverpool allowed Ryan Babel to feed in Crouch who put the ball wide when he really should have at least hit the target.
After 25 minutes Chelsea put what was their first decent move of the game together. some nice play by Ashley Cole allowed him to set his namesake Joe Cole free, trying to make room for the shot Cole was seemingly brought down by Liverpool's Mascherano, the ref waved the appeals for a penalty away, replays showed it was a clear penalty and should have been given.
Crouch had two more chances before half time as Liverpool found room down the right. crosses from Finnan and Gerrard were both met by Crouch but both were tame efforts that were easy for Peter Cech to deal with. Three good chances and none taken, the story of Liverpool's so far miserable season. Liverpool looked comfortable in defence however and we went in 0-0 at half time.
While the first half was pretty open, the second half was a drab affair. Chelsea were clearly off colour, and Liverpool seemed to come out for the second half happy with a point despite the fact all three were there for the taking. Manager Benitez only used one substitute when fresh legs may have just won the game for them, this approach matched the lack of ambition the team seemed to have.
Chelsea sensing they may get something despite a poor performance took control of possession towards the end. The best chance fell to Michael Ballack who had a clear sight of goal but put his volley wide. Liverpool had one more chance to win it, Pennant put through Dirk Kuyt after a rare second half passing move by Liverpool, but before Kuyt could get a shot in he was thwarted by a superb tackle by Ashley Cole. The game therefore ended goaless, helping neither side towards their aims.
RESULT
Chelsea (0) 0
Liverpool (0) 0
MOON OF LIBERTY STAR MAN - Ashley Cole (Chelsea) - Many poor performances today, Cole was one of the few exceptions, he got forward and caused what limited threat there was to Liverpool, he defended well despite his side being targetted, and his last tackle on Kuyt may have saved Chelsea a point.
