Chelsea Edges closer to win Barclays Premier League
Chelsea sailed past Liverpool by defeating them 2-0 to a comfortable victory at Anfield. This win has taken the Chelsea to Edge of Premier League title. Chealsea needs a home victory next Sunday to secure the Premier League title. After winning the Premier League Title in 2006, this is their best chance to bring the title back to Stamford Bridge.
Didier Drogba opened the scoring for Chelsea in 33rd minute, when Steven Gerrard gave a casual backpass. The Liverpool captain’s continued his bad form as is the case for whole season. This goal provided the boost to Chelsea which started slow at Anfield, they picked up the pace and never looked back. Second goal was added by Frank Lampard with help of Nicolas Anelka's as he scored the goal on cross of Anelka nine minutes into the second half. The score line could have been worse but Liverpool’s goalkeeper Pepe Reina saved many strong attempts.
This has been the story for Liverpool whole season as Arsenal, Aston Villa, Lyon, Fiorentina, and Reading all have beaten Liverpool in at Anfield. Liverpool did make an effort but the main problem with them is the poor management of Benitez, who has failed to assemble a quality squad. There is feeling that that may be the time for Benitez to say good bye, after a after a six year reign. The ownership of the club is also uncertain now.
On the other hand, Ancelotti’s team certainly has the talent to excel at the top, as they have wonderful record against all the top teams. Chelsea knows that they are very close to regain the title. Indeed they can try to win FA Cup final against Portsmouth to win a historic double. Ancelotti has done well to restrict himself to focus on preparing an excellent line up with as few changes as possible.
Liverpool was in need of a win to try to secure a place in qualifying round of Champions League, but their hopes died down after the Sunday’s loss. Glen Johnson could not make the line up because of calf injury and Maxi Rodríguez went off in 42nd minute injured didn’t helped the Liverpool cause. During most of the match both teams played moderate game. Sotirios Kyrgiakos made a fine saving tackle on Anelka in the 38th minute denying the second goal to Chelsea. However, Lampard score the second goal and sealing the victory on Anelka’s pass.
After the second goal Liverpool some how gave up the efforts, Chelsea made sure to play the remaining time without any misfortune.
Liver pool lineup
25 Reina
05 Agger
16 Kyrgiakos
23 Carragher
04 Aquilani
08 Gerrard
15 Benayoun
17 Maxi
20 Mascherano
21 Lucas
18 Kuyt
Substitutes
01 Cavalieri,
27 Degen,
40 Ayala,
19 Babel,
24 Ngog,
31 El Zhar,
47 Pacheco
Chelsea lineup
01 Cech
02 Ivanovic
03 A Cole
26 Terry
33 Alex
08 Lampard
13 Ballack
15 Malouda
11 Drogba
21 Kalou
39 Anelka
Substitutes
40 Hilario,
19 Ferreira,
35 Belletti,
10 J Cole,
18 Zhirkov,
20 Deco,
23 Sturridge
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