A few observations from Liverpool vs Chelsea game
The win at Anfield over Chelsea will certainly propel Liverpool Football Club in the right direction after their dismal start to the season. Here are a few observations from that feisty encounter:
* It had not been the best of starts for Liverpool. There were mixed feelings amongst the fans about the club’s wins prior to the Liverpool vs. Chelsea game. Although, they were happy with the points but anxious about the fact that these wins would give
the manager some extra time in charge. However, this latest win will surely earn him some much needed support and fans may change their stance towards the ex-Fulham man, finally accepting him as one of their own.
* It wasn't the cleverest of ploys to defend with their backs to the wall but Liverpool were happy to sit back and defend deep in their own half. The defenders did a marvellous job but it isolated Torres up front and the strikers only had scraps to feed
on. It was a strategy that paid off on the night but surely was not the cleverest of ploys by Roy Hodgson.
* Liverpool defended like heroes last night. It wasn't a ‘bus in front of the goal’ strategy but Jamie Carragher once again demonstrated that he has a few more years of play left in him. The way he threw himself between Drogba and the ball to keep the ball
out only demonstrated the bravery of the defender and 'never say die' attitude. He didn't care much about his safety and all he wanted was to keep Drogba from poking the ball in.
* Dirk Kuyt could go on and become the lynchpin of Liverpool side this season. Of course, much is written about Torres and Gerrard to carry out the attacking responsibilities but without the disciplined performance by this dynamic Dutchman in the midfield,
Liverpool would have been in a spot of bother. He surely was the key factor that galvanized the team last night.
* For most of the season, Torres had looked like he was a yard or two off pace and although it was pain staking to watch the Spaniard do what he did, it may be down to the fact that the striker had been injured and not mentally up to it. But, last night
he rose to the occasion remarkably and once again demonstrated why he is one of the best strikers in the world. It is the quality of Torres to find an extra yard of space in situations where others would just seem lost that came to Liverpool’s good last night.
His two goals once again proved that on his day, he still is the best.
* Lucas Leiva, who has always been the unsung hero at Liverpool undoubtedly unappreciated and underrated, gave a performance of not that will surely endear him to the Liverpool faithful. Last night, he was disciplined, efficient and a party pooper for the
Chelsea’s commanding midfield. He would almost certainly have been the man of the match had Torres not scored two sublime beauties.
* Although, it was only an 8 minute cameo that Jonjo Shelvely was allowed but at a delicate time in the match. It just shows how highly the youngster is regarded by his manager to be trusted to in such crucial times to marshal the midfield. He is only 18
but his rise to prominence is inevitable and that could mean curtains for Christian Poulsen.
* The injury to Glen Johnson was deemed a setback for LFC on the night but the way Martin Kelly carried himself on the pitch only suggests that the left flank of Liverpool defence is in good hands be it the marauding Johnson or the disciplined Kelly.
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