League Leaders

Four years and eight months of Chelsea's unbeaten record at Stamford bridge with 86 matches was brought to an end by Liverpool to top the table in the Barclay's Premier League. Liverpool have not only won the game but proved their critics wrong that their top form will not continue till the middle of the season. They have proved that they are here this time to win the title and not to settle for anything less. No one must have expected Liverpool to win the match, but their fans had faith on them that turned to be true. Liverpool got in front through a deflection on Xabi Alonso's shot in the 10th minute of the game and kept their lead throughout. Chelsea had shown their best in the last fifteen minutes of the first half otherwise, Liverpool were the better side in every way. In the second half, the game got a bit physical with the frustration that grew on Chelsea with a number of cards being produced.

With Drogba, Ballack and Joe Cole injured, Scolari had to use some new young faces which didn't turn out to be the best of efforts. There were many occassions where Chelsea was outnumbered by the Liverpool defense brilliantly. On the other side, Torres was not available with the hamstring injury, and Babel was considered not to be cent percent fit by himself. However, Babel was an important substitution in the 60th minute which troubled the Chelsea defense very well. In numbers, the efforts from Liverpool were more with Xabi Alonso coming closest with the free kick that hit the woodwork. Babel had produced an excellent effort which went a yard away from goal. Chelsea made less efforts in comparison, moreover, the Liverpool defense was very hard to break.

The win has been the most important one taking Liverpool to the top of the table three points clear Chelsea and eight points clear the defending champions Manchester United.

Done it Again

This was the fifth time Liverpool came back and won the game this season (four in BPL and one in Champions League). This shows how passionate they are for the title. Liverpool conceded a goal which was a gift to Zaki from the mistakes from Agger and Reina (I would not call it only Agger's mistake because Reina also made a mistake while playing the ball to Agger when Carragher was free on the far side) . However, Agger made a quick remedy for his mistake by moving with the ball from one side of the field to the other with a superb run and creating the chance that was converted by Kuyt. At the end of the first half, Zaki again scored with an outstanding bycycle volley.
The game changed in the second half as Antonio Valencia (Wigan Athletic) was shown the yellow card twice and sent off for two challenges that deserved bookings. This brought about a turn in the game and it was very best utilized by Rafa Benitez. Benitez substituted two full backs Dossena and Arbeloa and sent El Zhar and Benayoun into the field. As the pressure was not going to increase on the defense, Rafa took this opportunity to attack and score and it took no time to equalise when El Zhar created the best chance of the game which was tactfully left by Gerrard for Riera to strike which went into the back of the net. Liverpool were not ready to settle on sharing points and kept their attack at the highest level. They kept on putting the pressure and finally Kuyt scored again to become the savior.
Liverpool have kept the title race very much alive however, the 5-0 win over Middlesbrough has extended the Chelsea's goal difference lead. It might take these two teams to face each other to bring any difference on the point.

Trouble again

Torres will be out of field for at least ten to fifteen days with a hamstring tear from his international duty. So this means, he will be out of at least four fixtures including the one with his previous home club Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Latics and Pompey being the other three. This may cost some points for Liverpool from BPL and CL as well. Liverpool are in a good position in both the competitions and yet to come to their best form, but Torres' injury might be a real blow to them having to slip points and position. Let's hope for the best and the best is yet to come.

Dropped Two Points

The goal from the perfect free kick by Steven Gerrard early in the game was ruled out by the poor decision made by the linesman. After that it was a frustrating game for Liverpool against Stoke City failing to score. It was a huge opportunity for them to get atop the table as Manchester United and Chelsea drew 1-1. Had they won against Stoke City, they would be two points clear Chelsea and one point ahead of Arsenal leading the Barclays Premier League. The defense and the consistent resistance from Stoke City with brilliant performance from the Goalie Sorensen was praiseworthy. They deserved the point they collected from Anfield and it was something to celebrate for them.
However, for Liverpool it was the most disappointing result in all competitions this season. The numerous attempts by Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard and even from Torres went pegging as they failed to score until the 90th minute. The frustrated team had to drop two points to remain at the third position behind Arsenal and Chelsea.