Meireles ignites Liverpool’s European charge, whilst all but ending Chelsea’s title hopes.
Liverpool fans were ready to boo, jeer and quite frankly do anything else to show their hate to Fernando Torres at Stamford Bridge in this final game of a most enthralling weekend of Premier League action. Number 9 shirts were being burnt on Merseyside last week and it seemed Liverpool fans had turned their backs on Torres without a moments thought for his goal scoring record for the Reds over the last four years. Turning their backs was exactly what they did do come kick off in West London; the announcement of his name was welcomed by the Liverpool fans in such a manner that they were more interested in showing off the new names of ‘Suarez 7′ and ‘Carroll 9′. Torres was merely a name of the past. The future, however, seems a lot more bright under King Kenny; their 1-0 victory here saw them win their fourth consecutive game, including four clean sheets and two away victories.Dalglish started Suarez on the bench for the second week running, preferring to bring him into the team slowly. He left Kuyt to roam up front on his own, with in form Raul Meireles floating just behind. Chelsea’s front line looked menacing, with Nicolas Anelka playing just behind Didier Drogba and Torres. The game’s first action saw Torres receive a pass from his former team mate Maxi Rodriguez from the sideline; the Brazilian had obviously not yet come to terms with Torres’ change of allegiance. Torres stole the ball and carried it towards the edge of the area before blazing a shot over the bar. But Liverpool fans were sure to fear the worst for a second or two.
After twenty minutes Chelsea had enjoyed 59% of the possession but to no avail. Not until Frank Lampard’s 27th minute corner was met by Ivanovic’s head which crept just wide, did Chelsea really threaten Reina’s goal. But on the half hour mark Drogba played Torres in on goal, only for his shot to be charged down by the ever committed Jamie Carragher; the old timer would hate to let his former team mate score on a day like this, and his sliding challenge showed just how much. But it was Liverpool who were to create the best chance before the half came to a halt. More build up play on the left side by Glen Johnson and Gerrard saw the captain latch onto a Johnson cross which had been deflected back out to the corner. Gerrard sprayed a great cross along the floor which ended up at the far post where Maxi had the simplest of tasks to tap the ball in from 5 yards. Unfortunately for him, his effort cannoned off the bar and back into play.
At half time Liverpool should have been ahead, but Dalglish would still be far the happier manager. His team showed great fight and played some good football at times, whilst also keeping Torres at bay, the new signing having very little affect on the game. Despite the Spanish star’s arrival, Ancelotti had a big decision to make regarding his formation; his top performers Malouda and Kalou were sat on the bench and perhaps Torres would have to be spared in order for Chelsea to find a winner from their more familiar 4-3-3 formation.
The second 45 started similar to the first, with Chelsea enjoying more of the possession but neither team really creating a chance which could threaten the opposition’s goal. Glen Johnson’s 25 yard strike sailed past the post for Liverpool’s best chance inside the first twenty minutes. The holders didn’t find much either, Anelka’s shot going just wide of the post and was another attempt which failed to hit the target; the Blues now had attempted 11 shots on goal, but all off target.
After 66 minutes of insignificance, it was time for Torres to be pulled off; Ancelotti bringing Kalou on, much to the delight of the away supporters. His debut hadn’t gone exactly to plan but the game was still to be won and that’s exactly why the change was made. And a minute later it looked like the return to the diamond may work, as Michael Essien beat two players on his way to a strike which flew inches over the bar.
Chelsea were now grabbing a strangle hold on the game, but like the rest of the weekend, a surprise was around the corner. On 68 minutes influential Steven Gerrard crossed a teasing ball into the box; Kuyt looked to latch onto it and that forced Ivanovic into hesitation. Whilst Kuyt missed the ball, it ran through to Liverpool’s latest goal machine Raul Meireles, who coolly side footed it past Cech’s despairing hand. It was his fourth goal in five games and was a potential title ending goal for Ancelotti’s men. Chelsea reacted quickly, bringing on Malouda to generate pace and crosses from the left side. The Frenchman was straight in on the act when fellow countryman Anelka played a through ball, giving Malouda a tight angle to shoot at but he still managed to test Reina at the near post.
