Liverpool V Chelsea Liverpool played host to Chelsea in the first leg of the Capital One Cup. Chelsea were the favourites after some fantastic displays in the Premier League this campaign. Jose Blues are sitting top of the pile by five points. Steven Gerrard hoping to silence the travelling support after that famous slip last season. Rodgers team got of the mark quickly playing quick and closing down making Chelsea play the ball out wide with no reward. Phillipe Coutinho took the game by the scruff of the neck to beat Nemanja Matic but his attempt to slide it through to Raheem Sterling. Eden Hazards first run out wide saw him advance into the penalty area only for Turk Emre Can to bring him down. Eden Hazard took full responsibility he has only missed once this season that was against Maribor but this time he slotted low past fellow Belgium Simon Mignolet somewhat undeserved but advantage to the Londoners. Liverpool responded with their electric pace Sterling firing low only for Man of the Match Thibaut Courtois to get down quickly to hold the rasping drive. Jose had set his team up to soak up all the pressure resulting in counter attacks but this did not happen as a sea of red would not give up wave after wave of attack. Courtois had to be alert as Chelseas great wall of Blue was frustrating the home side Gerrard trying his luck from range only for a superb reaction save. Sterling and Coutinhos link up play was exceptional as Ivanovic was constantly pulled out of position , Chelsea in the midfield area were not at their best John Obi Mikel misplacing passes that really he should be making as a professional. Chelsea really did escape with a perfect result based on the run of play . Rodgers side showing great intensity to hunt down the Chelsea pack. Liverpools equaliser will have disappointed the Portuguese mastermind as Sterling ran through the middle of the park past Matic and Mikel before unleashing a low strike across goal leaving Courtois with very little chance of saving. This was followed by Steven Gerrard striking the base of the post after being teed up nicely. A few controversial moments in the game one being a handball by Diego Costa a clear penalty in my eyes as the Brazilian turned Spanish knew exactly what he was doing , But Costa again was involved when he appeared to be tripped by Sakho just outside the penalty area one on one so that would have saw Sakho red carded. Rumours state that potential signing Juan Cuadrado was present last night yet to confirmed if this deal happens Mourinho has got himself a proper tricky winger, The Columbian is very direct when running at fullbacks this will surely catch the eye . Next week the Second leg will unfold under the beaming lights of the Bridge who will go through. Chelseas away goal will not count until if needed after extra time this is going to be an epic clash. By Josh Bunting
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 19:17:48 +0000
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