Liverpool vs Chelsea: The One David Luiz Made 100 PL Apps

Bottoms Up

Is there any fixture in the Premier League calendar that generates more nonsense in terms of narrative and delusion that Liverpool vs Chelsea? Before the match there were a number of comments about how ‘everyone’ was desperate for Liverpool to win this one, Jürgen Klopp included. As Liverpool fans seem to exist in a bubble, I suppose an argument could be made for them thinking it was everyone.

I suspect that sensible supporters, and I do realise that is an oxymoron, but supporters within touching distance of second would rather see both teams drop points. And I certainly find it unlikely that Manchester United fans were desperate to see Liverpool beat anyone, especially one that could draw them anywhere near top of the table.

You’re welcome rest of the top 6 - Liverpool and Chelsea both dropped points. And by rest of the top 6 I really just been both Manchester teams at this point. Arsenal losing at home to Watford and Tottenham failing to score a goal against the third worst defence in the league.

Before I dig out Victor Moses for his appalling marking of James Milner for the cross that led to the equaliser, I will acknowledge the real issue with Chelsea last night. It was the Don. More specifically it was what he opted to wear. Trackie bottoms and a baseball hat. I don’t think so mate. Suits only. I’ll let the hat slide as a lot of money was shelled out for that barnet. But the tracksuit? It’s only other appearance in the technical area this season saw Chelsea exit the League Cup to West Ham and me trying to dodge flying seats.

After last night’s performance, maybe Chelsea should try Pedro out in place of Victor Moses. Sure he’s little and am pretty sure a slight breeze could knock him off the ball but surely he would add something of value. Or Ola Aina, Ake, basically anyone else who might have an interest in stopping the odd cross from coming in.

The only goal that really mattered was from the always ebullient David Luiz. What. A. Goal. Glorious way to mark his 100th appearance in the Premier League. And when he wasn’t embarrassing Simon Mignolet, he was at the back defending with an assuredness that maybe other people might finally see. It was nice that Liverpool Fan TV BT Sport acknowledged his contribution and awarded him man of the match.

Another contender for last night’s man of the match would have been N’Golo Kanté who was everywhere. He made 14 tackles last night - almost as many as the entire Liverpool team. In fact, Kanté took his role so seriously there was a moment he appeared to be marking Mark Clattenburg as well. A thankless task.

My not so man of the match last night was the bearded beast that is Diego Costa. I had my reservations about his performance as he stepped onto the pitch in that miserable weather without *gasp* gloves. Costa doesn’t do cold fingies — last winter game he started without gloves was at White Hart Lane. And we know how that went. Of course, a lot of his not doing a goal last night was down to getting very little service until Cesc Fabregas was introduced. And he did look significantly more effective then. But it was too little too late. But that penalty … maybe he lets Courtois take the next one if Hazard isn’t on the pitch. Simon Mignolet is decent at stopping the odd penalty, but I’m pretty confident I could have stopped Costa’s effort last night.

While it feels a bit like two points lost, with so many other results falling in Chelsea’s favour it is a point gained. It maintains a 9 point gap at the top of the table. And there’s another opportunity to put some distance in that title race this weekend.

Roll on Saturday

jb xx