Liverpool claimed a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and went level with the home side on 22 points in the Premier League table.
Liverpool worked hard in the first half and grabbed a deserved lead in the 33rd minute.
Chelsea caused their own problems as keeper Petr Cech put midfielder John Obi Mikel under-pressure with a short goal kick.
Liverpool’s Charlie Adam stole the ball from the Nigerian international, Craig Bellamy picked the ball up and played a one-two with Luis Suarez before finding Maxi Rodriguez who fired past Cech from 12 yards.
Chelsea’s defence were let-off a number of times before half-time. Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas made a change at half-time taking off Mikel and replacing him with new England cap Daniel Sturridge and the move paid near instant dividends, as Chelsea equalised in the 55th minute.
Liverpool were poor in defence as Charlie Adam lost Florent Malouda before the Frenchman crossed for Daniel Sturridge to score from close-range. Chelsea then looked likely to take the game to Liverpool. The lift of the goal helped them forward but Liverpool still looked a threat on the counter-attack.
And it was Liverpool who scored the second and winning goal through an unlikely source. With just three minutes remaining Charlie Adam played a superb ball out to the right to full-back Glen Johnson, who produced a nutmeg on Ashley Cole and held off Florent Malouda before keeping his cool by firing past Petr Cech.
Liverpool worked hard and it was a classic away performance from Kenny Dalglish’s men. Chelsea fans will be wondering what has happened to their team.
Worrying
Chelsea have now lost the last two home games in the Premier League and conceded seven goals in the process. It will be worrying for Chelsea fans that their team have suddenly started to concede so many goals.
Portuguese boss Andre Villas-Boas has tried to make Chelsea more attractive to watch but by going out to play more attractive the Blues have lost their defensive solidarity that has brought them success in recent years.
The young Portuguese head coach is an intelligent guy and will be doing everything he can to turn it around. I’m sure if he is given time he will find a happy balance. However time is not always guaranteed in the Premier League and especially at Chelsea.
Encouraging
The victory was an encouraging one for Liverpool. Not just the result but the fact they looked like an attacking threat every time they came forward will be satisfying for everybody involved with the Reds. The Reds have looked good away from home because of their ability to hit teams on the counter-attack.
At home though Liverpool have struggled to pick up victories. That is because teams come to Anfield and sit back and defend. Even when Manchester United came to Anfield they played a relatively defensively game.
If Liverpool can replicate their away form in their home matches then they have a fantastic chance to win one of those much coveted Champions League spots.
Did Liverpool deserve to beat Chelsea?
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