The Liverpool versus Chelsea match was predicted to be a close one and was highly anticipated. But the end result would suggest it was not as close as many thought it would be.
Both managers, taking on roles of mentor and apprentice, were coming into the game in full confidence.
Chelsea was coming into the game on the back of a 0-0 away draw at Atletico Madrid while Liverpool were on an impressive 11-game unbeaten run in the league and were the only undefeated team of 2014.
Each manager was expected to come into the game with a tactic that had worked effectively for them previously.
Liverpool have been known for their quick and electric start to games, while Chelsea have the best defensive record in the league. With Mourinho at the helm, a defensive approach to the match was inevitable.
Liverpool didn’t start the game as they usually do. Raheem Sterling was not peeling behind the defenders as we’ve become accustomed to and Suarez was spending too much time on the wings. He’s at his most dangerous when he is in the box.
This was down to Mourinho’s tactics, Chelsea had set up their defence to repel every attack. As the game wore on and Liverpool kept pouring forward, I grew wearier because they felt porous at the back. Mourinho had set up his team not to lose the game and I expected Brendan Rodgers to do likewise.
I would have thought after the first 20 minutes staying goalless, Liverpool would have sat deeper and attacked on the counter. The game would have been a bore to watch for the neutral but they might have gotten the point(s) they so needed. Chelsea wouldn’t have attacked or pushed higher if Liverpool sat deeper themselves because Chelsea didn’t have the players to do so.
People kept on repeating after the game that Liverpool need to learn to win ugly, but I completely disagree. Previous games against Manchester City, Norwich and West Ham were games Liverpool could have lost or dropped points, but they won ugly and took maximum points in each game.
The problem with the Chelsea game was that Liverpool kept on pushing forward without creating too many chances. They should have retreated to get the single point they needed to still be in control of the title race.
The title race is not over for Liverpool because their neighbours could do them a huge favour and steal points from Man City. In that case, Liverpool would need the maximum six points from their remaining two games to end the 24-year wait for the Premier League.
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