Mourinho’s men fought hard for a 1-1 draw at Anfield last night, in the first leg of the Capital One Cup Semi-Final – the tie will be decided next Wednesday as Liverpool travel to the Bridge in what should be an interesting affair; but was a draw what the Blues set out for?
In the grand scheme of things, Chelsea did superbly well defensively to earn themselves a draw. A second-half onslaught from the Merseyside men left keeper Thibaut Courtois with a significant amount to do; luckily for the Blues the Belgian was in fine form - a stunning save from Adam Lallana’s late swerving volley was a particular highlight.
Chelsea began the game under a lot of pressure, but gradually eased their way in as the first half progressed. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard seemed to be running things in central midfield, and was unlucky not to hit the back of the net with a dipping strike from a good 30 yards out. Long-range efforts were all the home side had to offer in the first half, though, as the a John Terry-led back four were inspirational in their efforts at keeping Sterling and co out.
Eighteen minutes in, and with our first real attack at the Liverpool back four, Cesc Fabregas took advantage of Emre Can’s defensive frailties before knocking it back to Hazard who was barged over in the box by the same player; Hazard – coolness personified, as ever – slotted home his 12th in all competitions from the spot.
This was to be the only shot on target that Chelsea had all game, and – had it not been for Filipe Luis’ overly ambition Row-Z hitter in the dying minutes – would have been our only shot in the ninety minutes.
Liverpool’s second half ambush provided them with an equaliser, coming from young Raheem Sterling as he twisted and turned before running at Cahill and expertly sliding the ball across Courtois and into the far corner.
This was one of Liverpool’s 6 attempts on target, amongst thirteen other off target attempts; evidently if the home side had been more clinical it could have been a completely different game.
But thankfully they weren’t. Mourinho, speaking in a post-match interview, argued that we were in control at Anfield. Despite being a rather speculative statement, the Blues’ boss may have had a reason to be so constructive after the draw.
To suppress a Liverpool team in the form they were in last night was quite an achievement. As Jamie Carragher explained last night, of course on this season’s evidence Chelsea were the best team going into the game – a better squad and far better performances all round. But as we all know that means nothing at Anfield. The home side were fired up and had reason to be, as Rodger’s team are in a decent run of form. Irrelevant to what position they find themselves in the league, they are always a dangerous side to play against – particularly away from home.
Last night’s defensive display perhaps highlighted the makings of a title-winning team; it wasn’t, by any stretch of the imagination, one of our finest or aesthetically pleasing performances, but an efficient one.
Costa worked hard up front but had very little to show for it; Hazard was kept quiet down the wing and some of Fabregas’ passes – which may have worked on a different day – didn’t quite come off.
Cahill and Terry were almost worthy of a clean sheet, but credit to Sterling who seemingly breezed past his England team-mates for the goal.
Despite having only 38% of the possession, it was a solid away performance from Mourinho’s men. Another goal or two conceded would have made the game at the Bridge next week a lot tougher. Now, as I’m sure you will agree, we are in a very strong position to win our first piece of silverware this season.
What were your thoughts on the game?
