It was deemed to be an exciting evening at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea played host to the Merseyside Club. It was also a 2nd debut for David Luiz at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool on back of a thrashing victory over the premier league champions looked more confident coming into this match, which was clearly visible in the first half. The first half was a half of few chances, possession was just being traded in the midfield. As the match progressed the men from Anfield started extending their domination.
Chelsea looked a lot sluggish as they made a lot of miss directed passes. Klopp’s side took full advantage of this and kept pressing with intent. The opener came from the Liverpool centre-back Lovren in the 17th minute when the entire Chelsea defence fell asleep as they allowed a lot of 4 players in red shirts at the far post with the defender meeting a half volley from Coutinho’s cross. The absence of Terry was sensed by the lack of organisation in the defence. The rest of the half belonged to the visitors as they doubled their lead in the 36th minute, when Cahill failed to clear the ball which Henderson gathered and rest was an mind boggling sight for the away team’s fans and a shock of horror for the home fans. Took a neat touch and blasted the ball in the top right corner beyond the reach of Coutoirs.
Chelsea had a half to forget, which was reflected in Willian’s behaviour that earned him a yellow seconds before the half-time whistle. The 2nd half started with Chelsea having more of possession. Liverpool were happy to be sitting back with their 2 goals cushion. The Boys in blue certainly had some sharpness and flair in their play compared to the 1st half which could have been the effects of Conte’s halftime talk. The Stamford Bridge outfit kept on pushing in search of their first goal which they finally managed to find in the 61st minute. A brilliant piece of play by Matic who played it deftly to an ever waiting Costa in the middle who scored the his fifth goal of the season. With that goal Chelsea was back in the game. The Merseyside club did make an effort or two on the counter. A late effort was exceptionally saved by the Chelsea shot-stopper from a very close range, when Origi headed a Henderson cross low in the bottom right corner.
That was the only clear chance Klopp’s team managed to create in the 2nd half. The remaining evening The Blues kept lurking forward, with Conte throwing the final roll of the dice in introducing 3 subs at once (Moses for Willian, Fabrgas for Matic, Pedro for Oscar)but to no avail. The game ended 1-2 in Liverpool’s favor. That marked the first defeat for Conte and he wouldn’t be a happy manager. As far as Liverpool are concerned they have overcome tougher starting fixtures having faced Spurs, Leicester, Arsenal and Chelsea.
