Match Report: Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea

Liverpool Star-man Luis Suarez rescued a point for the Reds and has dented Chelsea’s European hopes, with some controversy.

Rafa Benitez returned home with a cheerful crowd showing him some respect while another player also returning Fernando Torres receiving jeers from the Anfield faithful. The match began with a slow start when both Chelsea and Liverpool were knocking the ball between their own players. Johnson came close after some pleasant football from Liverpool but he hit it well wide. Chelsea took the lead though when their corner was headed in by one of the shortest players on the pitch, Oscar. Pepe Reina had fingertips on it but couldn’t keep it out. It could’ve been two for Chelsea when David Luiz’s shot dipped right in front of Pepe Reina who made a hash of it and almost went in but his quick reactions didn’t allow it to happen. After a poor half from Liverpool they stepped up a gear in the second. Sturridge came on for a quiet Coutinho in the second half and instantly changed the game. A brilliant run ending with a great save from Cech from Gerrard’s shot almost saw the equalizer; minutes later he smashed the post which could’ve been one of the goals of the season.  Sturridge did however get what he deserved; a goal. A long ball was hit down by Jose Enrique and Downing’s lay-off set up Suarez whose beautiful cross found Sturridge who slotted home.  Liverpool’s joy didn’t last long as Chelsea was awarded a penalty. Suarez’s accidental handball was seen by referee Kevin Friend and Eden Hazard scored it sending Pepe Reina the other way. Suarez again was the villain because what he did next has sparked a lot of controversy. Suarez attempts to cut inside Ivanovic who dispossess him and Suarez then bit the Serbian. Ivanovic protested his views that he was bitten by Suarez but Kevin Friend waved play on. Liverpool were back to their best as the second half proceeded but couldn’t find the goal they needed. 90 minutes were played and a huge six minutes were added on for Liverpool to grab an equalizer. They did find the equalizer which was drenched in controversy; first the goal was scored 30 seconds over the time given and it was that man who was the taking all the headlines, Luis Suarez, who scored it. Daniel Sturridge this time the provider whose inch-perfect cross needed a touch from Suarez’s head to beat Petr Cech in the near post. That was the last kick (or head) of the game, which was highly controversial.

Liverpool (Sturridge 52’ Suarez 90’) 2-2 Chelsea (Oscar 26’ Hazard 57’ (pen))

Man of the Match: Daniel Sturridge: Just what Liverpool were slacking in the first half. He instantly changed the match for the Reds, almost setting up Gerrard for the equalizer and also hit the post. He was rewarded for a superb display with a goal and an assist.

Flop of the Match: Fernando Torres: You would expect the returning man pumped up for this fixture; instead it looked like he wanted to leave the pitch. Poor display from Torres even with his mask on.

Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF-mEAubM1Y