Monday, February 11, 2008 . 2:01 AM

Wow it's been some time since I've written a match report for Liverpool... But here we go again! :P

Chelsea 0 - 0 Liverpool
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Date: 10/01/2008
Time: 1600

Today marked an encounter at Stamford Bridge that was not for the faint-hearted. Chelsea and Liverpool, a fierce rivalry started in the Mourinho-Benitez era, in a match that promised much for the neutrals. The prelude to the match had Chelsea manager Avram Grant declaring what was in the minds of the Liverpool faithful as well; should Liverpool lose the tie, they would most definitely be out of the title picture.

Given that Liverpool are already trailing far behind the Premier League leaders, and that they had not won at Stamford Bridge in over 4 years, the obvious that had been stated by the Chelsea manager should not have fazed them much. It didn't.

The match began as a nervy affair between the two sides, with both teams tentatively probing at their opponent's defence. Passes went astray, crosses were off, and players from both sides lost the ball one too many a time in the middle of the park.

Though both teams were slow to get out of the starting blocks, first to the ascendency were Liverpool. Finnan produced a deep cross from the right flank, looking to use Crouch's height. With Alex pressuring him in the six-yard box, Crouch headed his effort wide.

The next chance came to Crouch once more. This time, with Babel laying the ball off to Crouch just inside the penalty box, Crouch produced a volley with his left foot that had Petr Cech scrambling for his left-hand post. The shot was just wide. Best chance of the match so far.

By the 20th minute, Crouch could have had a hat-trick; This time he headed Gerrard's quality cross from the right flank straight into the hands of the Chelsea keeper. Though Chelsea were dominating possession, Liverpool had had the better chances of the game.

It soon became evident that Liverpool were adopting a soak-up-pressure-then-counter-attacking tactic, isolating Ryan Babel against Juliano Belletti, supposing that the young Dutchman could be the key to unlock Chelsea's defense. Chelsea were using what people call in basketball a "full court press", attempting to pressure Liverpool players into making mistakes. Fortunately Liverpool proved strong and did not crack under the pressure, taking the game to Chelsea with their stout defending and swift counter-attacking. Martin Skrtel was having an excellent game, not only strong in his tackles, but brilliant with his anticipation and covering as well.

There was cause for alarm for Liverpool in the 47th minute though, when Skrtel fell heavily on his right hand during a strong aerial challenge from Nicolas Anelka, and then using that same hand to shield himself from Anelka's body as it came crashing down on him. He had to leave the pitch for treatment, leaving Liverpool with 10 men. Chelsea regained some dominance in the process as Liverpool looked to consolidate without Skrtel for a few minutes.

However, such was the effectiveness of the defense that Chelsea did not have a single shot of note (no, not even a single shot) until the 81st minute. But what an excellent opportunity it was for Chelsea. Cutting in from the left flank, Joe Cole produced a cross that found the stand-in captain Michael Ballack just inside the Liverpool penalty box. The German side-volleyed the ball, then saw his effort sail just wide of the far post. It was a real let-off for Liverpool, their only lapse in concentration in defense not being punished by the German captain.

The last chance of the game fell to Jermaine Pennant, who had replaced Ryan Babel earlier in the game. Kuyt's cross from the right found Pennant at the far post, who headed his effort wide of the mark. Riise then gave the Liverpool fans a heart attack when he dive-headed a Chelsea cross towards his own goal. However, he got his header totally correct as he diverted the cross straight into the arms of Reina.

As time passed on a stalemate was always on the cards, with both sides pushing for a late winner. But soon enough, the referee's whistle sounded to signal the end of the match, Liverpool will have been the more disappointed side, but they can be proud of their performance tonight.

Player Ratings:

Jose Reina - 7
The Liverpool keeper didn't have much to do, but was reliable when called upon.

Steve Finnan - 7
Defended well on the right flank, and was a potent threat attacking down it as well, producing several crosses of great quality. Linked up well with Dirk Kuyt at times.

John Arne Riise - 7
Wasn't remarkable, but wasn't bad either. However he knows he can produce so much more down the left flank. We all miss his bombing runs and booming shots that would put all opposition goalkeepers' hearts in their mouths.

Martin Skrtel - 9
Played very well considering that it was only his 3rd start for the club (4th appearance) and that he played really badly against Havant & Waterlooville. Hardly put a foot wrong all game, was quick to intercept when he could, covered excellently for Finnan on the right, and blocked several attempted shots and crosses.

Jamie Carragher - 8
Mr. Reliable was just that today, reliable. Made sure that he won every 50-50 challenge and every second ball. Did not give Chelsea strikers and wingers any room to breathe.

Steven Gerrard - 7
Not a remarkable performance from the Liverpool captain today. Several passes early on in the game went awry, and he drifted too far infield at times, leaving the right flank exposed or having a lack of support. Looked tired and jaded at times.

Ryan Babel - 6
Tormented Juliano Belletti down the left flank whenever Liverpool isolated him with the Chelsea right back, but once Shaun Wright-Phillips came to the aid of his colleague, he could not handle them both. Crossing was rather poor and perhaps dribbled too much at times.

Lucas - 6
Started off well, but faded away in the game. Was shut out by the Chelsea midfield and was unable to stamp his authority in it. Did well in defense though.

Javier Mascherano - 9
Some excellent defending and covering from the Argentinian. Considering that he had travelled from the Americas just two days ago, this was a remarkable performance. Was always there to help his fellow defenders out, and didn't give the Chelsea midfield time to think as he chased the ball down. The fastest runner in counter attacks as well.

Dirk Kuyt - 8
On paper he was a striker, but on the field he played more on the right. As hardworking as ever, he produced a few crosses of note. Deserved a goal for all the hard work he put in today.

Peter Crouch - 7
Could have had a hat-trick of chances but missed all of them, especially the second shot which he should have buried. He was always there challenging and winning most of the headers though, producing link-up play of some quality.

Archangel's Man Of The Match: Javier Mascherano

Final Score: Chelsea 0 - 0 Liverpool

"You'll Never Walk Alone"

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