Liverpool Win In Torres’s Chelsea Debut
Torres, unable to help Chelsea in his debut against Liverpool
Fernando Torres played 64 minutes for Chelsea but was unable to put any pressure on his former side to the delight of Reds’ fans. Liverpool beat Chelsea 1-0 last night at the Stamford Bridge to grab their fourth straight victory under Kenny Dalglish.
Booed every time he touched the ball, the 70 million pound Spanish striker was just one step to bring an early lead for the Blues. Maxi Rodriguez careless pass found El Nino unmarked and in very good position on the verge of the box, but shooting just wide. Didier was also unmarked, but Spaniard’s desire to crown his debut with goal blinded him.
The first half found the hosts dominating Liverpool. Bradislav Ivanovic met Lampard’s 28th minute corner only to head it wide. Torres got his second chance just two minutes later. Drogba fished the ball to feed the Spaniard inside the box. Torres managed to keep the ball to his feet despite being taken care of by Skartel. His intention was to home it through Reina’s legs, but it was Carragher with a desperate-just-in-time clearance.
Liverpool’s reply came as just. Meireles missed a great opportunity in the 32nd minute following a smart play from Kuyt. Just one minute later, Maxi mocked Liverpool’s best chance. Johnson’s left cross traveled through Blues defense to find Maxi unmarked and with the empty net. His shot hit the crossbar to the dismay of Kenny Dalglish.
The first half went goalless, but the unexpected was yet to come. Gerrard’s 69th minute cross navigated through the Blues sleeping defense to find Raul Meireless unmarked and striking it home. Liverpool scored just two minutes after Ancelotti replaced Torres with Kalou.
David Luiz made his debut for Chelsea after replacing Bosingwa in the 73rd minute. So neither of the two (Torres and Luiz) were on the pitch when Liverpool scored the goal. Suarez did not play, while Andy Carroll is still injured. It the end, it was Liverpool who won this season’s double against Chelsea. The Reds beat Ancelotti’s side 2-0 in the first leg thanks to Torres’s double.
Chelsea stay foruth in the Premier League table with 44 points, the same number as Spurs, while Liverpool climbed sixth. They have won 38 points in 26 games. Liverpool will next host Wigan Athletic, while Chelsea visit Fulham next Sunday.
Chelsea – Cech; Cole, Terry, Essien, Ivanovic, Bosingwa; Mikel, Anelka, Lampard; Drogba, Torres. Substitutions: J. McEachran, J. Sala, Paulo Ferreira, F. Malouda, R. Turnbull, S. Kalou.
Liverpool – Reina; Johnson, Agger, Carragher, Skrtel, Kelly; Lucas, Gerrard, Raul Meireles, Rodriguez; Kuyt. Substitutions: P. Gulacsi, Fabio Aurelio, C. Poulsen, M. Jovanovic, D. N’Gog, S. Kyrgiakos, Luis Suarez.
Premier League day 26 results:
Stoke City 3 – 2 Sunderland
Everton 5 – 3 Blackpool
Newcastle United 4 – 4 Arsenal
Aston Villa 2 – 2 Fulham
Manchester City 3 – 0 West Bromwich Albion
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 – 1 Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 1 Bolton Wanderers
West Ham United 0 – 1 Birmingham City11
