Chelsea FC’s Capital One Cup Victory Gives Much Needed Morale Boost

Chelsea FC will be heading to the Wembley for the Capital One Cup Final after beating Liverpool in a hard fought win at Stamford Bridge. The tie was all set to be a classic after both the teams were deadlocked at one goal each at Anfield in the previous match. Chelsea or Liverpool needed to win the game in normal time after which the away goal rule would come into play granting Chelsea an advantage.

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Jose Mourinho, never one to be of afraid to make bold changes, opted for Kurt Zouma instead of Gary Cahill who has been going through a rough patch in the season. Cahill has been much maligned as the reason for Chelsea’s poor defense in recent weeks. Chelsea also needed a victory to bounce back from their humiliation in the FA Cup at the hands of Bradford City.

Contrary to the usual Chelsea FC which we see at home, Liverpool started the first half on the high with fast attacks with Raheem Sterling leading the line. They didn’t let Chelsea set the pace of the game and the Blues were pinned back in their own half and whenever they recovered the ball Liverpool played a high pressing game which made life difficult for Hazard and co.

Nemanja Matic in particular had an off day. He was not his usual self shielding the back four as he did all season. His positioning was off most of the time along with his poor touches of the ball which helped Gerrard and Countinho make dangerous passes cutting the Chelsea back line.

Thibaut Courtois showed what a talent he is by keeping Liverpool at bay in the first half. His best save came when Countinho ran the Chelsea back line ragged and pulled a shot which Courtois saved with his outstretched leg. He is definitely one of the best keepers in the world after such a display.

Chelsea started the second half with a blistering pace with Hazard running riot against Markovich and Can along with Costa bullying the defense. Also the Blues became defensively stable especially with Matic playing up to his usual standard. It was the old Chelsea which we are used to seeing at home. Costa and company. made some brilliant attempts but all were saved by Mignolet who showed the world that he shouldn’t be overlooked.

Chelsea broke the deadlock in the early minutes of extra time. With Willian providing the cross after a foul by Lucas, Ivanovic got away from his marker and headed the ball home from close range to put Chelsea firmly in hold of the tie.

Liverpool pushed for a goal which would blow the tie open again, but both Mario Balotelli and Jordan Henderson missed golden opportunities. It was a match which we always expect when Liverpool and Chelsea lock horns.