Liverpool surged into the semi-finals of the Carling Cup with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Just 9 days after meeting them In the Premier League, Chelsea sought revenge for a late Glen Johnson winner. But a goal for Maxi, his second within a fortnight against the blues, and a debut goal for Martin Kelly continued Kenny Dalglish’s unbeaten managerial record against the London outfit.
With the Reds playing just 48 hours earlier, Dalglish introduced a host of changes to the starting line up. Jamie Carragher returned after sustaining an injury, along with Craig Bellamy. There were also starts for Martin Kelly, Andy Carroll, Sebastian Coates, Maxi Rodriguez and Jay Spearing, all looking to impress for forthcoming league games. Ex red Fernando Torres also found himself in the Chelsea starting line up after being left out in the previous fixture.
Before kick off, both sets of fans and teams preserved an emotional minute’s applause in memory of Gary Speed.
The game got off to a controversial start, within just 3 minutes on the clock, David Luiz appealed for a penalty for a foul by Coates. But referee Phil Dowd waved away the claims and booked the Brazilian for simulation.
On the opposite end it was role reversal, Andy Carroll went down in the penalty area appealing for a penalty under David Luiz’s challenge, but the referee once again dismissed the claims.
Approaches from both sides were tentative; neither teams looked to take a risk, resulting in limited opportunities. The game was far from a classic as of yet.
Then on the 22nd minute, Alex handled Jose Enrique’s cross inside the area from pressure under Andy Carroll. Liverpool were rewarded a penalty. Liverpool’s number 9 stepped up to the spot but saw his fierce drive saved by the dive of Ross Turnbull. A let off for the Blues.
Romelu Lukaku then came close, narrowly heading wide from Jose Bosingwa’s cross. Leaving both teams level entering half time.
Liverpool started the second half with a high tempo, Craig Bellamy led various counter attacks as Chelsea and Liverpool pushed forward in search for an opener.
11 minutes after the restart, Chelsea’s best chance of the match was hustled off the line. Florent Malouda headed Frank Lampard’s deep free kick, his effort looping onto the crossbar falling to David Luiz. But the Brazilian’s effort was instinctively stopped on the line by Uruguayan Coates.
Chelsea were then made to pay for their miss. With Liverpool opening the scoring on 58 minutes. Jordan Henderson superbly sliced through the Chelsea defence with an accurate pass picking out Craig Bellamy, the Welshman ran clear of the Chelsea defence and fired a low cross across the face of goal for Maxi Rodriguez, leaving him the simple task of tapping in a simple finish. The Argentine continuing his free scoring run.
The Reds then added to their lead 5 minutes later. Martin Kelly headed home from close range after a precise Craig Bellamy free kick. The 21 year olds first goal for the club was enough to send the 5000 travelling Kop into ecstasy.
Celebrations were soon reduced to anxious worrying, as an injury to Lucas dampened moods. The Brazilian has been a pivotal figure within this Liverpool teams and everyone will hope the injury picked up is not serious.
Chelsea then had two late chances to get back into the game. Anelka couldn’t get round the on-coming Reina, followed by the Spaniard then smartly saving a Fernando Torres header.
Liverpool held on to march into the semi-finals, where they will find out their opponents on Wednesday evening.
Compra Camisetas de AS Roma 2021/2022 Maillot foot pas cher chine