Chelsea 1 Liverpool 2
Pre-match thought: Confirmation that Firmino was out with a minor groin strain was a blow given his recent good form , but in having our little magician Coutinho returning to the fray it was not a bad replacement to have in what is perceived to be of most difficult games of the season. Importantly Lovren returned at centre back for Lucas Leiva, restoring his promising centre back pairing with Matip. Also good to see young midfielder Ejaria on the bench for the first time.
We started the game with Klopp’s men confidently on the front foot pressing Chelsea’s defensive line so well that we produced two early shots on target within the first couple of minutes. Wijnaldum’s effort not really testing keeping Courtois, but in contrast Sturridge's strong left footed strike nearly smashed through the Chelsea keeper, before the Belgian International responded quickly to grab the spinning ball from behind him.
Our pressing game when we are on form is fascinating to watch and in the first quarter of an hour we were dominant, it seemed only a matter of time before we would take a deserved lead.
0-1 (Lovren) The deserved lead finally arrived through a quickly taken free kick given for another rash Ivanovic challenge, which probably should have been his second yellow in the game having previously stamped on Lallana. The resultant free kick, taken quickly was played into Coutinho who produced a delicious cross from which Lovren left wide open at the far post to stroke home a perfect side-footed volley that any striker would have been proud of.
Clearly energised, we are all over Chelsea with the main highlights consisting of Sturridge producing a flashing left foot drive across the area after countless step overs created the space for the shot and Wijnaldum playing in Matip through on goal to which the centre back won a corner.
What a stylish and accomplished defender Matip is. He appears unhurried in his approach gliding along the turf with the ball as his feet pushing forward into midfield when required.
Approaching the half hour mark, Chelsea inevitably came back into the game, but that being said we quite happy to allow Chelsea to try and break us down in possession.
0-2 (Henderson) - Another poor Chelsea clearance, this time Cahill fell to Henderson and from 25 yards Henderson, controlled the ball beautifully before executing a tremendous curling shot up and beyond the flailing outstretched arms of Courtois. Definite contender for goal of the month. You don’t see shots hit much better than that!
Half-time thought: We totally deserved the first half lead by alternating between a hard high press and sitting deeper to soak up pressure. The scary part is that we hadn’t really even hit top-gear going forward, scoring the two goals from situations caused by defensive mistakes showing an ability to take chances when presented to us.
Worryingly only 10 minutes into the second half and Divock Origi replaced Daniel Sturridge, who went straight into the dressing room. Hopefully it’s not a serious injury for Sturridge.
Goal 1-2 (Costa) Chelsea out of nowhere then get back into the game when a lack of concentration by both Henderson and Lallana allows Matic who is played through to get to the by line and cut it back for Costa, who finishes the move with an easy finish. The goal is highly frustrating for us and earmarks the fallibility that can still befalls us even when we are well ahead.
The response after Chelsea scored was immediate responded well as we reverted to type looking assert ourselves once again in attack.
Origi was then on the end of our best chance for Liverpool in the second half. Heading down a deflected Milner cross at the back post, Courtois pulled an excellent reaction save low down to keep the ball out of the net.
Looking to close the came out Klopp replaced Coutinho for Lucas Leiva.
Chelsea with a rarely seen triple substitution switch introduced Moses, Fabregas, and Pedro in a bid to snatch a late equaliser.
Lucas lunging in on Hazard gave away a cheap free kick late on at the edge of the area. Extremely nervy moment, but fortunately Fabregas shot struck the wall full on before being cleared and to finally close up shop Kevin Stewart replaced the tiring, but effective Wijnaldum.
Final whistle thought: While we couldn’t see out our two-goal advantage without drama, the Reds held out for a big win and second successive win at the Bridge. We now move up to fourth, tied with Everton and Chelsea on points.
Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Azpilicueta, Kante, Matic (Fabregas), Willian (Moses), Oscar (Pedro), Hazard, Costa.
Subs: Begovic, Alonso, Batshuayi, Aina.
Booked: Willian
Goals: Costa 61'
Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner, Lallana, Henderson, Wijnaldum (Stewart), Mane, Coutinho (Lucas), Sturridge (Origi).
Subs: Karius, Grujic, Moreno, Ejaria
Man of the match: Jordan Henderson – stunning goal by our captain – he celebrated the goal like he was saying look what I am capable of!!! Only mistake in the game cost us a goal but overall had a very good game.
Matip – Impressive in leading the defensive line. Brought the ball forward the right times as opposed to just clearing the ball, but wasn't opposed to clearing his lines of danger when he sensed danger closing in.
Lallana – continues to impress in his new midfield role leading from the front pressing the Chelsea players throughout but also at fault for the lack of concentration in the lead up to the Chelsea goal.
Apart from the Burnley game we continue to impress in our games, but we just need to continue to work on capturing that elusive league clean sheet.
What a great win!!!!
Goals: Lovren 17', Henderson 36'
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 41, 514
This was a statement of intent and we can get over making too many basic mistakes, especially from advantageous positions then we should go on from here. Make no mistake, this was a top notch performance and it's not fluke either with Arsenal, Leicester and Spurs testimony to the progression of Liverpool this season. Even in the drawn Spurs game we yards ahead of them. Lallana and Firmino in the season so far seem to be flourishing under the management and Klopp and I agree with David that Matip's stewardship and his all-round abilities has added a lot to the side.
ReplyDeleteJordan Henderson and Wijnaldum impressed. For me, a huge fan of Daniel Sturridge, the pressing style doesn't play to his attributes and whether he has a long-term future is open to question as can't see him as a presser.
To go to Stamford Bridge and totally outplay a Chelsea who were unbeaten is a huge performance and on the back this consistency must be the byword going forward.