Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Chelsea FC traveled to legendary Anfield to face Liverpool for an early Saturday match. As the clubs are two of the most recognizable in world football, the game was surely going to be a good one. Chelsea FC would be motivated to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table, and continue their run of unbeaten games. Liverpool would be buoyed by their home fans, and are still wanting revenge from last seasons 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at home.
Liverpool new boy Emre Can would get the scoring started in the 9th minute. The midfielder ran at the Chelsea defense, but decided to take an ambitious shot from outside the box. His shot deflected off Gary Cahill, and left Thibaut Courtois wrong footed. The goalkeeper could only watch as the ball rolled past him and into the back of the net. Just the start the reds wanted.
Just minutes later, Chelsea FC would peg one back, in similar fashion to their goal midweek against Maribor. Diego Costa headed the ball from a corner down to John Terry, who had his effort saved. The ball was then deflected off Nemanja Matic, but fell perfectly for Cahill. The Englishman scored from close range, with goal line technology confirming the goal. Chelsea FC were right back where they wanted to be, after a disappointing opening to the game.
The next best chance for the blues came in the 34th minute. Ramires nicked the ball from a Liverpool midfielder down the right hand side. With the defense exposed, this lead to a Eden Hazard shot, which was blocked by Glen Johnson. Hazard would have another good chance blocked by Johnson as well.
As games between two top clubs usually go, the match became a bit more open as the half progressed. Chelsea had some attacking set pieces, and Liverpool were judged offsides a couple of times. The score would remain 1-1 going into the half time break, and as it stood, neither team had made themselves clear favorites for the second half.
The second half began with Liverpool the more aggressive side. Raheem Sterling got involved in the 52nd minute, when he cut inside coming from the left flank, and let a shot that tested Curtois, but the keeper was equal to the task.
While reds fans thought their team could go on and grab the all important second goal, Chelsea crafted a wonderful move to quickly dispel those thoughts.
The returning Cesar Azpilicueta beat his marker in an attacking position. The Spaniard drove a cross in that was punched away by Simon Mignolet. The ball narrowly missed Oscar, but fell into the path of Diego Costa. Costa made no mistake about the finish, and gave Chelsea the 2-1 lead. On replay, it appeared as if Azpilicueta took the ball over the touch line, but none of the officials caught it, and let play continue.
Even with so much time remaining to play, it would be hard pressed for Liverpool to find an equalizer. Under Jose Mourinho, Chelsea have been known as a tough team to break down once they have a lead.
Liverpool did have a couple half chances, but nothing too threatening, besides another Cahill deflection in the defensive third. Didier Drogba, Willian, and Filipe Luis were all brought on to help the team get to the finish line, which they did perfectly. A hard-earned three road points, and a victory over one of Chelsea’s more recent rivals.
MOTM: Gary Cahill Unfortunate deflection aside, Cahill played a solid game in defense, which was essentially a clean sheet. He also did well to blast home his close range effort to bring the score back to 1-1.