We Are Liverpool

By KP

Sunday 6 February 2011 20:55

It would be all to easy as a Liverpool fan to write about how sweet it is to rub Fernando Torres’ nose in it, but that would take away from a wonderful well drilled performance, which wasn’t all about defence, but was a lesson in teamwork and support all over the pitch. From front to back we worked like Trojans to nullify  Chelsea's attacking threat and probably end any pretensions they had of winning the title.

Surprisingly, Chelsea chose to break up a team which had scored four in the last game away to Everton and bring in Torres, probably hoping to score psychological points with the former Liverpool striker coming back to haunt his former employees.  Dalglish chose to refrain from the obvious temptation to play Suarez following his debut goal, recognising the Uruguayan would not be at optimum levels following his recent seven match ban.

The early skirmishes was a case of cat and mouse, with Liverpool working hard to contain the Chelsea three-pronged attack of Drogba, Torres and Anelka in behind.  Torres had an early chance, when Maxi’s misplaced pass went straight to him, who bearing down on the Liverpool drove his shot over the bar. Moments later, Liverpool breaking out, as has been the trademark of King Kenny’s second coming, with midfielders in support of strikers, Kuyt latched on to Kelly’s down the right-wing with Meireles streaking clear down the middle.  Kuyt’s low cross failed to get past the first defender,  but it was a sign of things to come.

On the half-hour, Torres as had been his wont in red shirt, dove-tailed beautifully with Droba, gliding in between the centre-half’s, his shot was blocked by a last ditched tackle from Carragher, no change there for the General in defence.  Two minutes later Liverpool made inroads down the Chelsea left which they continued to do all-game, with Gerrard and Johnson.  Johnson’s blocked cross found its way to the irrepressible Gerrard whose measured left foot stealth-like cross found Maxi at the back post. He some how managed to hit the bar when it seemed easier to score.

Liverpool’s control over the game was such that Drogba and Torres cut forlorn figures upfront and Lampard was unable to shake free of the Liverpool midfield with Liverpool’s wing-backs helping Gerrard, Meireles and Lucas to press and reduce time and space in crucial areas.

The much maligned Lucas Leiva produced his best performance in a Liverpool shirt (which is not the first time this has been said this season) stealing in to make umpteen vitals inceptions and either playing some delightful short passes to set up attacks or driving runs up to halfway.  Martin Kelly reduced Ashley Cole, commonly considered  to be the best attacking left-back in the game, to a defensive role as he handled him with the control of a veteran. He continues to grow with every game.  Dirk Kuyt has his detractors, but he is a players player.  Playing upfront on his own, he battled royally with the Chelsea centre-half’s and refused to let Obi-Mikel settle, diligently applying pressure from the first minute to the last.

The three centre-half’s at the back were assured.  Agger giving the Liverpool backline a footballing defender comfortable on the ball and Carragher providing the missing leadership we’ve been craving and with having three centre-half’s and the wing-backs covering, his lack of pace is of less importance.  Gerrard was everywhere and it was he who provided the killer pass from the inside-right channel which caused havoc in the Chelsea defence, with Cech failing to cut the ball out and the marauding Meireles making a difficult chance seem ridiculously easy when he volleyed a high bouncing ball into the net.  He has become an intrinsic part of the Liverpool team, taking it turns with Gerrard to support the striker and getting back to provide defensive cover.  He shoots with either and Liverpool fans can look forward to an even better player next season.

 Meireles scores the winner ( Image: London Evening Standard)

This victory was one which was totally deserved.  Chelsea had the majority of possession, but were restricted to long range punts from Anelka and Essien and it was Liverpool who almost made it two when Aurelio twenty minutes from time cut into from the left after Kuyt had sent him free, his powerful shot was parried away by Cech. Liverpool quite comfortably held on for the win, with Reina having to make only one important save in the match.

The team is playing with the confidence that only winning can give a side and long may that continue.  As for Fernando, taken off after 65 minutes, as is the Liverpool way we wish him well, and for us we’ll concentrate on the future and not get ahead of ourselves as  King Kenny said after the match, “ we only take one game as it comes”.  Quite simply King Kenny stating what was and is the Liverpool way.

KP