Monday, October 27, 2008

Fantastic Reds End Chelsea's Unbeaten Home Record


They have done it! Liverpool have ended Chelsea marvelous 86 matches unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge and move 3 points clear at the top of the table. Xabi Alonso scored the only goal of the game in the 10th minute when his left footed volley outside the box deflected off Jose Bosingwa to leave goalkeeper Petr Cech flat-footed.

Cruel for Chelsea & Scolari
Sometimes football can become so cruel, Chelsea's new manager Scolari is now the man who lose their unbeaten home run where it began since Claudio Ranieri's era. He was really unfortunate to face a resurgent Liverpool this season although he also possess a decent team with many quality players.Victory for Liverpool was fully deserved, as is their place at the top of the table. Whatever Chelsea make of the outcome, the visitors gave another indication that they may become champions of England. Chelsea have done very well in this campaign against teams who were incapable of halting their build-up play, but they are up against a quality team like Liverpool, they will suffer from time to time if they could not find a way through. Of course, you don't find another team like that at the moment, so there is no way panic for the Blues as their season remains promising.

Fantastic Reds
There were no comebacks this time, but this kind of performance they have put in was perhaps even more outstanding. They did not sit back after they got the lead, they did not park a bus in front of Chelsea's goal. In fact, they played terrific passing & attacking move and whenever they got the ball and were causing lots of trouble for the Blues when they attack. Xabi Alonso- the man who was confident of beating Chelsea before the match, proved what he said was not a joke as he almost got his second goal when his freekick came off the inside of the post. On the other hand, I have to give credit to Chelsea for their attacking display and well organised passing in the game. However, Liverpool were up to the standard with their rock solid + tight defence. Whenever Chelsea tried to break them down, they were always able to cope with it, largely thanks to Jamie Carragher's superb display at the back. He was everywhere! Dealing with everything and making crucial tackle at the crucial moment. Man of the match for him!

Pundits sucks
Before the match, most pundits from ESPN predicted a Chelsea win some even said that Chelsea will win comfortably, the reason was Chelsea have more quality players and more depth! I need to say that as a football pundit, they should think twice before coming out with a prediction! Not just simply saying a team who scored more in the past will definitely win. That was all rubbish. And after the match I have to say that Liverpool are on their way to clinch the EPL title this season. Sorry if I am a bit bias but this going to be Liverpool's season.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Chelsea & Liverpool looking good to challenge title

The comeback king
Istanbul comeback might be the greatest ever comeback, but can anyone recall when did Liverpool perform a league comeback? Maybe not quite... In the past few years in the league, they found it very hard to comeback even they were only 1 goal down. However, this time around, they have been the comeback king this season where they have came back from behind to win games on 4 occasions already! 1 down against champions Man U, 1 down with less than 10 min against Boro, 2 down against Man City, and twice fell behind against Wigan. They have performed comebacks in all different ways this season. The next one - comeback at the holy ground- Stamford Bridge?

Chelsea looks unstoppable
Meanwhile, despite missing some of the key players through injuries, Chelsea showed their magnificent form as they thrashed Boro 5-0 in style. They now remain at the top of the table with superior goal difference. Their gameplay was very well organised and they are dominating games for fun at the moment. A brace from Kalou, Lampard , Malouda and an absolute screamer from Juliano Belleti from more than 30 yards out complete the 5 goals thrashing against Boro.

The top 2 battle- 26 October
Next week, we will see the current leader Chelsea taking on their fierce rival Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool will stand a chance to end Chelsea's long unbeaten home record based on thier current form and strong character, but they are likely to do it without their top striker - Fernando Torres. Chelsea, on the other hand, will be looking forward to extend their unbeaten run and to eliminate their opponent.