Chelsea and Liverpool locked horns for the eighth time since Mourinho took over the managerial chair at Stamford Bridge last night. Perhaps, predictably, with only the matter of who was to top the group at stake, rather than qualification, the fayre served up was mediocre rather than spectacular.
Although both managers gave off positive vibes about not wanting to finish second in the group, both had also stated that the fixtures in the Premiership, on Saturday, were of far more importance. Nevertheless, professional pride meant that both managers selected strong line ups as the Group stage came to a conclusion. Perhaps both were afraid of being turned over big time if weakened starting elevens were paraded. Mourinho, down to his last nineteen stars, due to injuries to Crespo, Cole, Makelele and Johnson, made one change to the starting eleven that had appeared gainst Middlesbrough on Saturday. Whilst Rafael Benitez chose to make four changes. For Chelsea, Paulo Ferriera replaced Asier Del Horno with William Gallas switching to left back.
With Chelsea not having conceeded in four consecutive matches and Liverpool having kept clean sheets in their last eight fixtures there was never the remotest possibility that the fixture would provide a goal fest. Nevertheless an almost capacity crowd packed into Stamford Bridge to see two of the giants of the English game clash.
Unfortunately, despite several good chances being created in the first half, the images of two poor tackles will inevitably dominate any post match discussion. The first of these, from Michael Essien, was undoubtedly the most serious. With the referee having already awarded Chelsea a free kick, Essien lunged through a melee of players and caught Hamman high on his shin in a challenge that could have resulted in a straight red card. The referee appeared to miss it although Benitez was quite rightly incensed by the vulgarity of the challenge.
The second debatable challenge came on the stroke of half time when Sissoko lunged over the top of the ball and caught Gudjohnsen a blow on the ankle. Both challenges resulted in the injured players requiring treatment.
However, away from the intense competitiveness, often on display, both teams created several chances in the first half. Chelsea started the brightest and tried to capitalise on a mistake from Garcia in midfield. Lampard unleashed a long range shot that Reina just managed to deflect away for a corner. Seconds later Lampard was to see another long range effort deflected wide as Chelsea went in search of the opening goal.
Stunned by the onslaught, Liverpool slowly hauled themselves back into the game and began to have more of the ball. Gerrard fired wide before Cech had to react smartly to punch away a dangerous looking cross. Crouch, using his height, headed over when well placed before once again Cech had to react smartly to save a Riise shot.
Chelsea were finding Liverpool hard to break down and were restricted, through the efforts of Lampard, to long range efforts that Reina dealt with comfortably.
For the second half Mouirnho replaced Ferriera with Del Horno as he reverted to the eleven that had started against Middlesbrough the previous Saturday. Chelsea started well and had two chances to break the deadlock in the first five minutes. The first saw Robben volley into the side netting and the second saw Gudjohnsen attempt an audacious overhead kick that didn’t quite come off. Nevertheless, Liverpool were at last on the back foot.
However, the impetus was not to be maintained as the game deteriorated into a succession of substitutions. Kewell replaced Riise, Morientes replaced Crouch and Pongelle replaced Garcia for the visitors. For Chelsea Duff and Robben were replaced in favour of Carlton Cole and Wright-Phillips.
The switches made by Chelsea saw a rare deviation from the favoured 4-3-3 formation to 4-4-2 as Mourinho clearly decided to go for the win. Sadly it wasn’t to be as the play became somewhat disjointed as Liverpool continued to frustrate the home team. Continental refereeing saw Lampard booked for disputing a rank offside decision whilst Carvalho also incurred the wrath of the official with a lunge on Morientes.
Meaningful action was restricted to two long range efforts from Gerrard before the realisation that the teams were to serve up a third 0-0 Champions League draw became reality. Liverpool will go into the last sixteen as group winners whilst Chelsea will no doubt ponder which of the big names they’ll draw a week on Friday.
Player Ratings
Petr Cech
Rarely called into action but when required rose to the challenge. One smart save saw him deny Riise whilst another piece of bravery saw him fist to safety a dangerous cross meant for the head of Crouch.
Paulo Ferriera
Solid in defence but looked reluctant to venture forward. Delivered several disappointing crosses and made way for Asier Del Horn at half time. Will have better days.
William Gallas
Mr Versatility once again showed that he is one of Europe’s best defenders. Can play anywhere along the back four but looked happier on his natural right side during the second half.
Ricardo Carvalho
Dwarfed by the physical presence of Crouch but never ruffled. Picked up a yellow card late on but never really troubled by a Liverpool side content to keep as many as possible behind the ball.
John Terry
Man of the match – Never troubled, always the inspirational leader. (Besides it’s his birthday today)
Frank Lampard
Worked his socks off but just couldn’t find that explosive thirty yard shot that to break the deadlock despite numerous attempts. Booked for disputing a BAD offside decision in the second half.
Michael Essien
Once again his endeavour and natural skills will be overlooked with that dreadful challenge on Hamman taking centre stage.
Eidur Gudjohnsen
Solid performance without reaching the heights we know he’s capable off.
Damien Duff
Well marked by the Liverpool defence. Received very little of the ball and was substituted late on.
Dider Drogba
Never really produced, or got anywhere near, the heights of the Hurricane Drogba that destroyed Liverpool at Anfield in the Premiership.
Arjen Robben
Produced some neat touches but never got the space to fly at a Liverpool defence that were content to deny everyone space. Replaced late on.
Asier Del Horno
Replaced Ferriera at half time but never got much oportunity to show his attacking prowess as Liverpool stiffled the home side.
Carlton Cole
Thrown on to unsettle the visiting defence but never got much of the ball as Liverpool soaked up all the high balls with ease.
Dumped on his backside in the first few moments after he came on. Showed his pace but didn’t see enough of the ball to make a serious impact.
Manager Rating
Mourinho bemoaned the fact that his hands were tied due to injuries but in true Jose style had the testicular fortitude to go for thet victory in the last twenty minutes. Will be aware that we’re going to draw a big team in the knock out stages but is equally aware that nobody will want to be drawn to play us. Remains a shrewd operator defending his payers with some smart, off the cuff, comments.
Opponent Rating
Benitez became very animated after seeing Hamman sycthed down by Essien. Chose to pack his defence and frustrate Chelsea. He’s taken these plucky qualifiers to the last sixteen and should be congratulated.