Big Match Review 1 - Chelsea V Liverpool

CHELSEA 2-0 LIVERPOOL
Anelka, 59
Malouda, 90

Referee: M Atkinson

A terrific advertisement for Premier League football with chances at either end from start to finish. The half time stalemate reflected an evenly matched game at that point with both sides having their fair share of chances to score. The first 20 minutes provided little, but both teams showing desire to put the opposition defence under immense pressure.

After the half-way point in the first period, Chelsea became the most likely threat and the Liverpool midfield were helpless to prevent some slick passing on many occasions between all four of the Chelsea midfielders, making efficient use of Carlo Ancelotti's diamond system. Chelsea had at least two great opportunities before the interval due to a great cross from Essien, which Anelka could only head straight at Reina, while Ballack also missed with his head as his connection from Deco's cross was just too high. The best of Liverpool's chances in the first half came from a perfect cross from Kuyt to an unchallenged Torres, who strangely failed to comfortably head the ball past Hilario.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first with both sides moving the ball well up the field, but couldn't make use of their chances. This was until just before the hour, when Javier Mascherano, who was by far Liverpool's biggest contender for man of the match, got caught in possession by Frank Lampard who started off another slick Chelsea midfield move, with Essien combining well with Deco for the latter to feed a ball wide to Drogba. Drogba then beautifully struck the ball low across the danger area for Anelka to meet at the far post and he slyly slotted the ball past Reina for the opening goal.

Liverpool were lucky not to concede only minutes after the first goal when Lampard crossed for Drogba, who failed to get enough power behind his header to trouble Reina. Liverpool then stepped up a gear with Yossi Benayoun to replace a very poor Riera. Benayoun was inspiring going forward which proved little use as Liverpool's more common heroes Gerrard and Torres were far below their best. Gerrard's disappointing display did improve towards the end and was unlucky not to score when John Terry, as he does best, superbly blocked Gerrard's close range effort on 81 minutes. However Torres was very unconvincing the entire match and towards the end lacked any desire to meet crosses by Gerrard, Kuyt and Johnson.

The late pressure from Liverpool didn't pay off and just after the board for stoppage time was raised, Didier Drogba, on the right-hand side of the area, shrugged off Carragher for a simple low ball into the path of substitute Florent Malouda, who got to the ball just in time to hit the ball past Reina to make the score 2-0. Liverpool did however have great chances in the small stoppage time left with Benayoun using great foot work to bring the ball down to slot the ball past Hilario, but inexplicably missed the target. This was then followed by Steven Gerrard, much more like himself, hitting a ferocious half-volley from the edge of the box, which was saved brilliantly by Hilario, who had a fine match in place of Petr Cech.

By full time, Chelsea ended up deserved winners against a Liverpool side guilty of two consecutive miserable performances, which leave critics questioning their chances of obtaining one of the big trophies by the end of the season. Chelsea do their title hopes no harm whatsoever after a stunning display.

Man of the Match: Didier Drogba, despite a typical over-enthusiasm to fall to the ground often, he was there for the key moments using great accuracy and strength to provide Anelka and Malouda with the simplest of finishes. Glen Johnson being the best performer for Liverpool with some great defending and always a threat going forward.