Liverpool vs Chelsea: The One Where Chelsea Forgot to Shoot

Luis explaining the importance of a headband for his 'look'

With Liverpool's exit from the Champions League a few seasons ago, supporters across the world were given a reprieve from watching them face Chelsea 60 odd times a season. But the League Cup* semi-final draw had other plans, it was feeling nostalgic for those days. Maybe it was the 'mind games', or the post-match 'banter' or the football that made you question what happened to the 90 minutes of your life that you'd never get back. Thankfully both sides have evolved beyond trying to bore the other into submission. More or less anyways.

After some pretty hapless performances from the home side as of late, it appears they saved all their vim and vigour up for last night's match. They started well and tested the re-instated Thibaut Courtois early and often. The partnership of John Obi Mikel and Nemanja Matic which had been so effective at Stoke looked sluggish or like they'd never met one another (they definitely have). Either way it left John Terry and Co. more exposed than usual. But it wasn't until the second half that there was any real damage to Chelsea's quest for another trip to Wembley.


For all the questions that were asked of Chelsea's defence (along with some warranted criticism) - at the end of the day they held each wave of attack, conceding just the one goal. Much of that credit has to go to Courtois who made a number of outstanding saves. But for all the drifting out of position he did last night, Gary Cahill used his assets to deflect a couple of shots. A trick he no doubt picked up from Branislav Ivanovic.

Controversy abounded over Chelsea's opening goal - mostly because Niall Quinn was on commentary duties. It might have been a soft penalty,  but at the end of the day it was a sloppy challenge from the out of position Emre Can and it was a penalty. Any and all shouts for penalties from that moment on however were not.

With  Mignolet's return to Liverpool’s goal and the defence being what it is, for Chelsea to attempt just 2 shots over the course of 90 minutes is borderline criminal. That is the sort of defence that you shoot at on sight — something -will- get over the line. Since the start of last season - Martin Skrtel has been directly responsible for 6 goals finding the back of his own net - and Mignolet another 6! Seriously Chelsea, just shoot! Early, often, close range, long range. Shoot!

I’d imagine that some players will have been put on the naughty step and told to think about what they’ve done. And the majority will be given a much needed rest against the mighty Bradford this weekend as Chelsea look to extend their FA Cup run as well.

With last night marking as one Liverpool’s best performances of the season, and Chelsea one of their worst - it’s not surprising that the result was a draw. Expect vastly different performances for the next leg.

On a separate note - it’s interesting that last night saw proper lash back about *that* Gerrard song. I’m no fan of it through most of the season. Looks small time and takes the focus off of the eleven players on the pitch that should warrant a song. However, surely last night was the single exception to that. Last night should be the one time that singing about an opposition player is actually ok. Twitter was awash of opposition supporters making the same joke about the irony of Chelsea’s fans singing about a captain slipping and losing a trophy. For both singers and critics alike - pick your moment people, pick your moment.

jb x

*other major and not so major trophies are available