Fernando Torres
November 8, 2010: League leaders Chelsea were away at Anfield on Sunday to face a re-energised Liverpool. For a non-partisan viewer, it just doesn’t get better than that, does it? A massive physical showdown culminated in a deserved 2-0 win for the Reds, powered by the apple of Liverpool’s eyes, Fernando Torres.
Before The Match
A troubled Liverpool languishing at the 16th position in the Premier League table before this match had regained some of its lost glory with three consecutive wins, two in the Premier League and one midweek against Napoli in the Champions League. So they came into this match with their confidence a little high with both captain Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres in form.
On the other hand, Chelsea were riding high atop the Premier League table coming into this match, 2 points clear of second placed Manchester United with a game in hand. Although criticized for a less than brilliant away form, the men in Blue had claimed the maximum away points in the Premier League with 10 out of a possible 15.
Injuries to both sides included ex-Chelsea play-maker Joe Cole for the home side, and Michael Essien and Yossi Benayoun for the visitors. Didier Drogba was on the bench for Chelsea after complaining of a mild fever the day before.
Both teams came into this match needing a win to accomplish their personal ends, Liverpool to continue the climb up the Table while Chelsea to regain the 5 point difference.
Match Summary
The match began on a promising note for Liverpool as their attacking display led to a Fernando Torres goal in only the 11th minute. El Nino masterfully took down a diagonal cross by Dutchman Dirk Kuyt and hit the ball across Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech. Anfield heaved a sigh of relief as the pressure went off the home side.
There was a passive response from the champions as Liverpool continued to create chances after chances. A brilliant solo curling effort from the talismanic Kop striker Fernando Torres which beat Cech all but sealed the match before half time.
In the second half, a resurgent Chelsea, with the introduction of Didier Drogba, created a few chances but never really threatened the Liverpool goal apart from a Florent Malouda strike straight at Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina and a ferocious strike by Anelka which beat the keeper but bounced back after hitting the crossbar.
Liverpool held on to the lead and the match ended 2-0 in favour of the home side.
Post Match Positions
Liverpool gained 7 spots to drift up into the top half of the table at 9th position with 15 points from 11 matches, whereas Chelsea, though still at the top of the table had their lead above Manchester United cut short to 2 points, have 25 points from 11 games.
Tags: Anfield, Chelsea, EPL, Fernando Torres, Liverpool, Premier League, Sports, Steven Gerrard
