Liverpool vs Chelsea Match Report

Liverpool vs Chelsea Match Report

A piece of magic from Sterling cancels out Hazards opener to leave this semi-final finely balanced at 1 goal apiece.

 

It took a wonderful solo effort from Raheem Sterling to break down Chelsea’s resilient defence to leave this semi-final delicately balanced.

 

Liverpool however will think they deserved more, with them dominating the game through nearly every aspect, just not that one that matters most.

 

The reds had the better of the opening play but they could not fashion a clear cut chance, the closest they came was when a long range Steven Gerrard shot was acrobatically tipped over by Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois.

 

With their first real attack of the game Eden Hazard made a break into the box and was bought down rather easily by Emre Can. He coolly dispatched the penalty to put Chelsea ahead in what proved to be Chelsea’s only attempt on target in the game.

 

One thing Liverpool will have learnt is you’re not allowed to go anywhere near Hazard as if as much as a microbe sneezes on him, he will go down and you will receive a yellow card.

 

Despite Liverpool dominating possession not much else happened before half time, the closest to a goal being a free header from Martin Skrtel in the box. Hi missed this good opportunity however to head the ball into a dangerous area as the ball trickled out of play.

 

After the break Raheem Sterling picked up the ball in the Chelsea half and raced into the Chelsea box before placing a left footed finish past the helpless Courtois into the bottom right hand corner. This was Sterling’s third league cup goal in 2 games.

 

Spurred on by their equaliser Liverpool went close to taking the lead where after a tricky run into the box before laying off the ball to Liverpool’s captain. Unfortunately his left footed shot clipped the outside of the post.

 

Liverpool went close again with a Sterling shot curling into the bottom corner was tipped away by Courtois. Even more impressive was a save he made from substitute Adam Lallana’s left footed shot from just outside the box.

 

In a game where they had 62% possession and had 19 attempts compared to Chelsea’s 2 this will be a game on reflection Liverpool will feel they should have won. It’s not all doom and gloom however as this was a very impressive performance and the best I have seen Liverpool play in a long time.

 

While not ideal, the draw leaves Liverpool very much in the tie. They face a tough test against Chelsea at the bridge but will feel on the back of yesterday’s performance that they can go there and win.