Chelsea v Liverpool: The One with the Guard of Honour

The desperate face of trying to keep up with Hazard

Although the official post-season tour begins in Thailand at the end of this month - it quite clearly began on Sunday afternoon. It’s difficult to fault all those tired legs for failing to keep their motivation up after winning but not yet receiving the trophy against Palace last weekend. But it doesn’t make for great viewing - for all you fans of ‘boring, boring Chelsea’ - now is your time to shine.

Of course, not having anything to play for does lend itself to a few relaxing afternoons out and the opportunity to watch some players that may not have got the chance otherwise. Ruben Loftus-Cheek being the most obvious example. He was given a brilliant reception by the home support AND the media who have loved his pass completion (100%). Loftus-Cheek’s performance was just what the media and Football Manager fan boys wanted. It’s all about possession for those crazy kids at the moment!

Although his senior debut was all well and good, the match was really all about those crazy kids — the captains. One became the highest goal scoring defender in Premier League history, one fell flat on his arse to help him get there. Not for the first time as some of you may have heard in song.

It’s fair to say, that probably was not the highlight of Steven Gerrard’s day. If I was the betting sort, and I’m not, I would have put everything I had on Gerrard picking up a mysterious injury ahead of Sunday’s guard of honour. He may have had a face on him like a slapped arse but he did in fact turn up to salute the team he could have been at for winning a trophy that he never will. His only consolation will be his second goal against Chelsea and his snidey parting remarks in his post-match press conference.

As for the bi-polar reception Gerrard received — make up your minds people, make up your minds. Booed when he emerged from the tunnel to give Terry and co. the guard of honour. Smatterings of *those* songs as he played so deep he may have well have taken Mignolet’s gloves. A actual standing ovation as Gerrard was substituted off in the 79th minute. Actual. Standing. Ovation. Followed immediately by *those* songs. You need to all take a moment and think about what you’ve done.

Back to actual football and what does it all mean? Nothing. Chelsea won the title last week you silly sods. But if you really need something to take away from this — David Brent has yet to win a match against Chelsea, and the draw all but sealed Liverpool’s fate in Thursday Night Cup*.

Enjoy West Brom next Monday!

jb x

*Other better trophies are available.