Chelsea Analysis

Looking back at the recent draw at Anfield against Chelsea, majority of fans, players and even Brendan Rodger's were pleased with the result. The 1-1 outcome courtesy of a penalty by Eden Hazard and a beautiful piece of magic by Raheem Sterling, the result certainly flattered the visitors who managed just 2 shots the whole evening compared to Liverpool's grand total of 19. The harshness of this result is that if Liverpool managed this result in April, they probably would of won the league as the result against Crystal palace would of not prompted Liverpool to go all out attack to win on goal difference.

The match occurred at a night when many thought that Liverpool would see a repeat of the dominant Chelsea performance last seen at Anfield in December, however the first leg of the Capital One cup was a complete reversal with Liverpool dominating every statistic that was clear for everyone who watched. The inclusion of Steven Gerrard back to the starting eleven would of been a massive boost for the Liverpool team and the fans also, who paid respect to the soon to depart captain through a huge Banner with the tagline 'The best there was, the best there is and the best there ever will be'.
A truly beautiful sight to see in the famous Kop that has been missing this season. The atmosphere at the ground was also superb, the ground was shaking as the Kop screamed for a goal during every attack. Mourinho's comments before the match will have had a part to play in this, he praised Steven Gerrard profusely and his comments after the game also paid tribute to the Anfield faithfuls by saying 'If Stamford Bridge give 25% of what Anfield gave we will win' a tongue in cheek comment however but with Mourinho anything that sounds like a comment is to be accepted, he is Chelsea's manager.
The error of Emre Can which consequently allowed Hazard to cool finish from the 12 yard spot, was Can's only mistake in 730 minutes of play,  fantastic considering his lack of experience as a centre back and given that he is naturally a centre midfield with more attacking qualities.

Jamie Carragher had much to say regarding Can's error saying that 'Coming up against top class players he has been left wanting'. A slightly controversial point but the most capped defender in Liverpool history will certainly have a better view point than others, Can's blushes were spared however through a 5 second burst from young Raheem Sterling, clearly refreshed from his week break in his native Jamaica. Sterling picked the ball up from the middle of Chelsea's half and rushed at the Chelsea defence exposing Gary Cahill's lack of pace and expertly finishing across Courtois' left. This moment of Magic from the young attacker has shown just how much he has progressed since a year ago, the weight of expectation on his shoulders has been huge since the injuries to Sturridge and lack of form shown from Lambert, Ballotelli and Borini. The statistics for Raheem speak for themselves, rated 1st as number of successful dribbles at Liverpool, second in goals only to Gerrard and second in assists at just 20 years old, he is the most promising young talent in the premier league.
Mourinho's gamer-plan and pre match conference was a strange, he was acting as if he was a starstruck fan of Liverpool in constant awe of the big name players, its no secret that Mourinho was a candidate for the Liverpool job before Benitez took over, so bitterness may still be ripe with him.There is clearly less friction between the two managers, as a friendship exists due to Rodger's being somewhat of a disciple during his younger years at an assistant coach to Mourinho.

However his statement to the Chelsea fans to not disrespect Gerrard via singing the famous parody version of Steve Gerrard, Gerrard was a very clever ploy. Mourinho knew full well his supposed contempt of the song would rile Chelsea fans up to scream the Anfield Road section into a full chorus of Gerrard slipped on his fuckin' arse. Mourinho for all his over the top personality is a master of psychological ploys that he uses to manipulate everyone.Whether his game plan succeeded remains to be seen, from a neutral point of view Chelsea should be grateful with a 1-1 at Anfield, however the perfectionist in Mourinho would disagree, the decision from him to include an extra defensive midfielder instead of the creative Brazilian Oscar may of been seen as showing Liverpool alot of respect as he looked to park his big, blue bus however his gaps in defence were constantly overrun, and the award of man of the match to Thibaut Courtois, will show a further glimpse into the dominance of Liverpool.
The match also included a glimpse into the past with Steven Gerrard looking alot more of a physical presence his long rage effort forcing a marvelous save from Courtois in the opening 15 minutes connoted a more confident assured Gerrard, looking to give the fans a much deserved parting gift.

The fixture is only half way through and too much should not be fixated on the positiveness, the conceding of the penalty give Chelsea the overall advantage, Liverpool will head to Stamford Bridge desperately searching for a goal, and with Sturridge likely to still be missing, the task is even harder, especially given the way Mourinho has riled up his fans.
Liverpool Rating 8.5/10
Man of the match for Liverpool- Coutinho, the little magician caused Chelsea countless problems with his mesemerizing control and movement.