Liverpool muscles out Chelsea

Liverpool vs Chelsea (7 Nov 2010)

Two big giants of English football took to the field on Sunday evening for one of the important games in the Barclays Premier League. Chelsea, the league leaders with 25 points in their bag travelled to Anfield, Liverpool to take on the merseysiders. Liverpool's form this season has been disappointing, losing home games to Blackpool and the one in the league cup. But with back to back wins against Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers the mood in the team was quite upbeat.

Roy Hodgson had put out his best team to take on Chelsea. Chelsea kick started the first half and were control of the game till the eleventh minute. Liverpool's best striker, Torres struck form at the right time. A superb pass by Dirk Kuyt was neatly put into the back of the net by Torres. Terry was beaten for pace and so was the Chelsea goalkeeper, Petr Cech. Twelve minutes gones Liverpool were in the lead, to the surprise and astonishment of the players and spectators alike.

The Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelloti had kept his best striker Drogba on the bench. Chelsea looked dangerous even though they were a goal behind. Just before half time superman Torres gave the merseysiders another delight with a sublime curl, the ball gradually curving into the back of the net. Liverpool were up by two goals and the mood in the bench was upbeat.

Anfield erupted.

At half time Drogba was brought in for Kalou because the Chelsea manager felt that being two goals behind to Liverpool at their home turf was not to be taken lightly. Lucas, Mereilles and Gerrard all played their roles well, passing and moving forward and trying to score another goal to put the game beyond the reach of the Blues. Young boy Martin Kelly was plying his first major game of the season for Liverpool in the right fullback position. Carragher and Skrtel taking care of the central defence.

Chelsea were unlucky when Anelka's shot scrapped Reina's gloves and hit the crossbar. The ball was till open for Drogba to put it into the net but Jamie Carragher ensured that Liverpool maintained a clean sheet. Just 15 minutes before half Kuyt made a good run with the ball before passing it to Rodriguez who almost finished the game for Liverpool but Cech's outstretched leg denied them the third goal. Full time gone Liverpool could hold off Chelsea with a two goal margin.

The Barclay's premier league is still wide open for anyone to win. Chelsea weren't allowed to run away with the points. Liverpool's classic performance on Sunday will definitely be an eye opener for them and other teams as well. They now sit at the ninth place with 15 points in their kitty.

Liverpool leaps out of 'Relegation Zone'

Bolton Wanderers vs Liverpool (31 Oct 2010)

Liverpool's season has not brought out the usual cheers for its fans. Until last week the English giant was lingering in the bottom of the table with just 9 points in the bag. This poor performance by Liverpool can partly be attributed to the ownership and financial worries at the merseyside club. But yesterday's match against Bolton Wanderers brought some respite for the fans and the manager.

Putting up a strong squad Roy Hodgson wanted to get an easy 3 points at the Reebok stadium but was given stiff resistance by the Wanderers. Bolton started off the first half with more confidence than Liverpool and almost over 50% of the on field action was happening at Liverpool's end. Holden tested the Liverpool goalie with a flash kick but Reina was quick to spot the ball and punch it away. Bolton looked more and more aggressive as the game progressed. Liverpool's upfront attack looked meek and non threatening. Big names like Torres and Joe Cole looked impressive on paper but couldn't deliver.

Bolton on the other hand had a couple of good opportunities to take an early lead but failed to capitalize on any. With skipper Kevin Davies and defender Matt Taylor playing some good football. First half gone the scores were tied at 0-0.

Kevin Davies was just centimeters away from giving Bolton the lead in the second half from a free kick. He headed the ball perfectly but just shy of the goal. Liverpool improved its opportunities and played more attacking football in the second half of the game. Steven Gerrard, Rodriguez and Torres playing some good pass and move football. However neither of the teams could break the deadlock until the 85th minute. Joe Cole had to be substituted with Ngog because Cole had pulled a hamstring. The Chelsea midfielder has not yet delivered the quality he possesses to get Liverpool the victories much needed in the Premier League.

There is saying in football 'Never judge too quickly in football, wait until the last minute'. The same came true. Some superb skills by Torres and diligent passing to maxi Rodriguez ensured Liverpool that they left the Reebok stadium with full three points. Rodriguez was quick to latch on to the pass from Torres and slot it into the net past the Bolton keeper. This victory even got Liverpool out of the bottom three and now they sit at #12 in the table with 12 points, 13 points behind league leaders Chelsea.

Liverpool needs to ensure that they continue winning and not drop points from their future games to secure a place in the top 6 else next season the hope for a Europa qualification will seem bleak. Manager Roy Hodgson says' this victory might be the catalyst for his side's revival this season'.