Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool – Blues keep on rollin’

In a thriller at Anfield, Chelsea come from behind to get all 3 points. After a goal from Emre Can, Chelsea struck two of their many opportunities into the back of the net.

Goals: Emre Can 9′, Gary Cahill 14′ Diego Costa 67′

Bookings: Raheem Sterling 43′ Mario Balotelli 65′, Branislav Ivanovic 48′ Nemanja Matic 69′ Oscar 83′ Diego Costa 87′ Thibaut Courtois 90+4′

Possession: Chelsea 42-58 Liverpool

Shots: 12(4)-(5)15

The first goal, a deflection off the side of Gary Cahill was a bit of poor defending as no defender stepped and allowed Can too much space to shoot. Courtois not at fault for the goal.

The second goal, came from Cahill. After a corner came into the box, it pin balled around the far post before Cahill hit it into Mignolet who took the ball only just. Goal line technology helped out in determining that the ball crossed the line by only a few inches.

After a few good chances from Hazard, Costa finally got his goal midway through the second half. After a cross around the final third, Azpilicueta took the ball wide before beating a defender and crossing to Oscar who accidentally flicked it back to Costa, who then smashed it into a crowded goal.

Overall, the performance was decent seeing as both Fabregas and Ramires were playing injured. Passing was alright, a few times giving possession away too easily. Finishing was not our strongest part of the match today, but the fact we were able to score twice shows a lot about this team.

Defending was shaky for the first quarter of an hour today and something needs to be done about our slow starts to these games. And finally, we closed out the game like we should have in both Manchester games.

This match is important as it is yet another away game against the team who finished second last season. Anfield is not an easy place to play, but credit to the fans who did well in making their voice heard, as always.

Player Ratings

Courtois – 8: Not much he could have done on the goal, made a few crucial saves throughout the game.

Ivanovic – 7: Did well to stay in position and take Sterling out of the match.

Cahill – 7: Did well to score, didn’t close down quick enough for the Can goal.

Terry – 7: Did well with Balotelli and kept everyone in position, a Captain’s performance.

Azpilicueta – 8: Proved once again why he is one of the best fullbacks in the world, rarely beaten on the dribble, did well to get the cross in for the eventual winner.

Matic – 7: Gave the ball away a few times in the first half, much better second half in taking Coutinho out of the match and made the game his own.

Fabregas – 7: Played injured and really showed how well he can be on the defensive side of the ball, made a few good tackles around midfield, just lacked the good ball he usually provides to Costa.

Ramires – 7: Tireless running, did well to break up counters and possession, completed most of his passes, was subbed out for Willian in the second half.

Hazard – 7: Did ever so well to start counter attacks and kept possession well, finishing very poor though, could have had a hat trick in the first half alone.

Oscar – 7: Started out with a few really poor passes followed by a stirring of world class ones, always working for the team and had a flick for the winning goal.

Costa – 8: Scored the winner in the second half and never stopped running, worked hard for the team and did well to only get a yellow in a physical battle all match with Skrtel.

Chelsea News