Chelsea suffered yet another defeat as Liverpool came from behind to win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Ramires had given the home side the lead in the 4th minute, but a brace from Philippe Coutinho and a strike from Christian Benteke saw Jurgen Klopp grab his first Premier League victory. That result left more questions over Jose Mourinho’s future, with the team languishing in 15th position in the table, just four points above the relegation zone.
Once again Kurt Zouma began the game at right back, while Nemanja Matic took up a place on the bench. John Obi Mikel and Ramires started in midfield, with Willian, Eden Hazard and Oscar just ahead. The Belgian seemed to be playing more centrally here, with Oscar moved out to the left hand side. Yet another tweak that Mourinho hoped would help his team get back to their best.
The champions did make the perfect start here, as they scored after just four minutes. Cesar Azpilicueta had time out on the left hand side, and that allowed him to whip the ball in to the middle. The cross met with Ramires’ run, and the Brazilian duly headed the Blues ahead. Following the goal, the home support sang their manager’s name, a show of support that could buy him a little time.
The great start continued for Mourinho’s side, as they dominated the first 20 minutes, looking better than they had all season. They slowly got too comfortable with their lead, however, and the Reds got more into the game. It looked like Chelsea wanted to play on the break, defending deep with their lead, despite the fact that there was over an hour left to play.
That tactic cost them late in the first half as Coutinho scored an equaliser to send the teams in level at the break. It was a fantastic goal, but the Brazilian was helped by an error from John Terry. Mourinho didn’t take too kindly to the goal, as he stormed off down the tunnel after his team conceded. Hardly something that would boost his players’ low morale.
Things got worse for the home side in the second half, as Liverpool pretty much dominated. Things went from bad to worse as Lucas escaped a second yellow card, inexplicably so from the point of view of Mourinho and the home support. That seemed to hit the Blues mentally, as it would when your manager is constantly saying that referees are against you.
Coutinho scored his second of the game with 15 minutes to go, after his shot took a deflection off Terry. That goal then resulted in more chants of the manager’s name from the home support. Benteke scored a third 10 minutes later which wrapped up the points. That’s a sixth league defeat for Chelsea now, after just 11 games.
Next up for Mourinho and his team is their crucial Champions League game with Dynamo Kiev on Wednesday night. They need to quickly get over this latest defeat, as a win is a must to keep their hopes of making the last 16 alive.
LCN Man of the Match: Willian