The moment Chelsea came out of the hat in the Capital One semi-final draw many Liverpool fans hearts sank. In recent years Chelsea have dominated Liverpool in cup competitions, and with the form they’re in, playing in the Blues wasn’t a pretty prospect.
However on a snowy Tuesday in Merseyside, Liverpool supporters got a taste of the fast attacking football they saw week in week out last season.
With an attacking line-up featuring Steven Gerrard playing back in his old number 10 role, Liverpool came out of the blocks firing. Liverpool’s early domination was not rewarded though as in-form Emre Cann gave away a penalty for a clumsy challenge on Eden Hazard, who as expected converted with a high level of composure.
The Reds kept pressing but to no avail, Chelsea seemed to be deal with the pressure well with Jon Obi Mikel and Nemanija Matic shielding their back four. But on the 55th Minute Liverpool’s golden boy Raheem Sterling reminded us of his ability, dancing past five Chelsea players to slot the ball past Courtois.
Liverpool advanced with a highly attacking style of play, continuing to press Chelsea, holding the majority of the possession (68%). Regularly working Chelsea’s Belgian keeper it seemed Liverpool were likely to bag another however Chelsea stood strong and managed to hold out for a draw. With Liverpool’s 20 attempts to Chelsea’s 2, Mourinho’s men will consider themselves lucky and will hope to improve before next week.
In terms of performance Liverpool are growing stronger every week with summer signings Cann, Markovic and Moreno really starting to shine. It certainly is all to play for next week when Liverpool travel down to Stamford Bridge for the second leg.
Man of the match: Thibaut Courtois
Yesterday was great for Courtois’ confidence. Finally able to show off what he’s got.
— CarefreeBanter (@CarefreeDaily) January 21, 2015
I thought JM’s comment about only needing 25% of the atmosphere at Anfield was more offensive to Liverpool than it was to Chelsea fans…
— jessica brennan (@jessdwi) January 21, 2015
#LFC manager hails ‘outstanding team display’ while #CFC‘s opposite is left frustrated – http://t.co/t19ZS0Xxce pic.twitter.com/4EXqE9KSRP
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) January 21, 2015
That was the Liverpool of last season! Terrific performance.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 20, 2015
Mikel: ‘We were disappointed to concede the goal but I think overall it’s a good result.’ http://t.co/icSNaU1vIC pic.twitter.com/RzMDeqevQR
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 21, 2015
You would think Liverpool won 3-0 the way the radio and papers are going on about it, if anything it was a better result for chelsea!
— Sam Matthews (@SamMatthewsGurl) January 21, 2015
#YNWA ‘Good Performance, Unlucky Not To Win, Their Keeper Kept Them In It…. #LFCCHE 1-1
— Oluwarotimi AJ (@AJ_Twenty) January 20, 2015
