Jose Mourinho and Chelsea pulled off another stunning performance in a big game to become only the second team this season to take maximum points from Anfield.
A makeshift Chelsea team defended brilliantly and made the most of their chances to put themselves right back in the title race and halt Liverpool’s title party.
Goals from Demba Ba, latching on to a mistake by Steven Gerrard, and a late settler from Willian were enough to ensure the three points went back to London.
Chelsea’s ‘weakened’ side consisted of youngster Tomas Kalas and Branislav Ivanovic making up the centre back positions, with Cole and Azpilicueta either side. Demba Ba started up top and Mikel, Lampard and Matic lined up in midfield.
Chelsea did well to weather the early Liverpool storm that has seen them blitz past opponents in the opening minutes, with the Blues staying narrow, compact and looking to spring counters.
The Blues offered little in attack with Demba Ba struggling to hold the ball up when Chelsea cleared to him, but the striker would go on to make up for it.
There were lots of goal mouth scrambles inside the Chelsea area, but with the players throwing themselves in front of every attempt, Liverpool could find no way through.
It wasn’t until the 45th minute when Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard, under seemingly little pressure, slipped to allow Demba Ba to close in on goal and slide past Simon Mignolet.
Chelsea held on for another 5 minutes before the half time whistle went in a first period that summed up Jose Mourinho in these big games: solid, committed and always a threat going forward.
Chelsea came out for the second half in very much the same mindset; they stayed solid and looked to frustrate a Liverpool side who were getting desperate in a game that they needed a point from to keep the title in their hands.
Liverpool had a number of corners, which they are a threat from, but Chelsea defended admirably and denied the Reds anything, with Mark Schwarzer making some routine stops, as well as a stunning diving save from Joe Allen’s shot from distance.
Chelsea replaced Andre Schurrle with Gary Cahill in an attempt to tighten up even further, and the hard working Willian added fresh legs to the Chelsea cause when replacing Mohamed Salah.
Fernando Torres was also introduced in place of Ba and had a big part to play in the remainder of the game, back at his old stomping ground.
Once again, late in the half, Chelsea sprung to settle the game: with no Liverpool defenders left back, Fernando Torres sprung clear and unselfishly set up Willian to walk the ball into the net and give Chelsea fans yet another win to remember against a rival.
The game ended and Mourinho celebrated with the Chelsea fans who, yet again, find themselves supporting a side who are back in the title race despite many slip-ups, as well as maintaining the fitness of many key players ahead of Wednesday night’s clash.
With a stand out performance, Tomas Kalas, making his first Premier League appearance, looked as if he had been playing in the side for years, seeming composed and confident as well as performing many crucial tackles.
Kalas was my Man of the Match – who was yours?
The result leaves Chelsea two points behind Liverpool, who still top the League, but importantly means that the title is now in Manchester City’s hands, if Pellegrini’s side can maintain their superior goal difference over Liverpool and Chelsea.
However, for Chelsea, this result puts them well in the mix to pounce on any further mistakes from their title rivals and also gives them confidence going into Wednesday’s game against Atlético Madrid.
Jose Mourinho was clearly impressed with every player on the pitch, despite many of them not playing as much as they would like this season:
“The best team won, in my opinion. Every player was magnificent. Beautiful, beautiful . . .this kid [Kalas], Liverpool, Anfield, just beautiful.”
The result may frustrate Mourinho further, in the sense that if Chelsea, in Mourinho’s mind, had not been cheated against Sunderland last week, they would currently sit on top of the table.
Can Chelsea still win the Premier League?
For Chelsea, Liverpool was the last ‘big team’ that stood in their way this season, and their remaining two games see them play Norwich at home next Sunday before travelling to Cardiff on the last day of the season
Chelsea now must focus on Champions League endeavors and their route to the final which has just one last obstacle in the shape of Atlético Madrid this coming Wednesday.
Liverpool vs Chelsea: Match facts
- Jose Mourinho’s Premier League record against Liverpool is P9 W7 D1 L1.
- Demba Ba has now scored five goals in his last eight appearances for Chelsea (all comps).
- Branislav Ivanovic made his 250th Chelsea start today
- Chelsea successfully defended against 14 Liverpool corners today
- Liverpool attempted 35 crosses, their highest number in a League game this season
