Chelsea FC 1-2 Liverpool FC – Post Match Opinion
First half goals from Dejan Lovren and Jordan Henderson were enough to give Liverpool a deserved win at Stamford Bridge last night. A second period fight back from the hosts proved futile against a stout team performance from the visitors.
The absence of Roberto Firmino didn’t bode well in a game that the Brazilian’s invention and industry would have been a huge strength. That said, Philippe Coutinho replaced him and in so doing saved Jürgen Klopp from the dreaded but welcome “selection headache”. An affliction that has not befallen a Liverpool manager for many a year!
The new look defence of Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner either side of newcomer Joel Matip and the new and improved Dejan Lovren version 2.0. The defensive unit performed admirably in two different guises. Mopping up against weak and ineffective opposition in the first half. Then against determined revitalized championship contenders in the second.
Liverpool took the lead on 17 minutes. Even though they’d been the better – in fact only team – up until this point. The scorer, Lovren popping up in a huge void to the left of the Chelsea penalty area to prod home Coutinho’s centre. The Reds were great value for their lead and kept possession smartly.
Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum operated efficiently and clinically between the blues’ lines. Adam Lallana appeared to have a quiet game. In reality, he was very effective in the pressing the opposition back line and linking defence and attack. On the team’s current form, I’d be interested to see how Emre Can will be deployed when he returns to full fitness. For many Liverpool fans and observers alike, the more apt question will be: who will make way? All three midfielders deserve to retain their place. None least the captain.
Henderson’s 25-yard effort for Liverpool’s second was simply sublime. It was as though the ball was attached to a piece of string. Lowered at the last minute, just when it seemed as if it would sail over the bar. Like many of his usual efforts it must be said. On this occasion, it gave Thibaut Courtois absolutely no chance. A screamer. A fluke. Whatever you want to call it, the execution was perfect. Liverpool were two-up and cruising. For the hosts, the break couldn’t come soon enough.
Up until this point, the attacking trio of Daniel Sturridge, Sadio Mané and Coutinho were simply unplayable. The interchanges between Mané and ex-Chelsea forward Sturridge were exceptional at times. The latter almost got on the scoresheet with a shot that bubbled under Courtois. Only to stop on the grass before crossing the line.
What I did enjoy was that Coutinho was much less wasteful in possession. It seems his trademark cut in from the left and right-foot shot trick has been put back in the box… labelled “Crap”. His focus was more on linking play, rather than making the headlines. Same could be said for Sturridge who is playing more for the team now than ever. He looks a much better player also.
I’m not sure why he simply went to the changing room when substituted on 57 minutes, instead of joining the rest of the players on the bench. It seems to me that all is not well between he and Klopp. Obviously this is denied, but the 27 year-old doesn’t seem to be the happiest right now. It’s odd how there seems to be no mention of his behaviour in the press today, other than that there was no injury.
The second half was a different story. One felt that if Liverpool kept the hosts out for the first 15 minutes of the second half, a win would likely be on the cards. Ultimately this proved to be true. But boy, did was it a nervy affair! Just a minute after this estimate, Diego Costa pulled one back for Chelsea to signal a revival. A poor decision from Matip allowed the Spanish Brazilian to poke home from close range.
The visitors however, defended gallantly. Simon Mignolet made a decisive save from Costa on 70-odd minutes. A game-saving stop if ever there was one. The back four looks more solid these days although it can’t be ignored that Chelsea scored from yet another individual error. These need to be stepped out if Liverpool are to do anything this season and beyond.
Klopp said his side “Played football like hell” last night. He wasn’t far wrong. The team played a blinder. Henderson claimed the Man of The Match award and deservedly so. This was one of those game where there were two or three other contenders. Nobody would have begrudged Mané the accolade.
Liverpool now stand on 10 points from the first five games. This was a target I previously said should be the minimum, if recent history was anything to go by. This has been achieved. Despite my pre-season reservations. On this form, should they remove individual errors, the sky really is the limit for this team.
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