Chelsea came from behind at Anfield to secure a win over Liverpool and to keep their advantage at the top of the Premier League. Emre Can’s deflected shot gave the hosts the lead, but Gary Cahill got the Blues back level. Diego Costa scored his first goal since returning from injury in the second half to put the Blues ahead, and they held out to record back to back wins at Anfield.
The Blues started with many of their big stars back after they were rested in midweek. Thibaut Courtois, Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta came in to the side, while Ramires came in for Andre Schurrle to give the Blues a bit more solidity in midfield. Diego Costa returned up front, replacing Didier Drogba as the Blues looked to maintain their unbeaten run.
Liverpool caused a storm by resting several players at Real Madrid in midweek, but they looked better for it as they started the stronger of the two teams. Liverpool where ahead within 10 minutes, as Emre Can was allowed too much space outside the box, and his shot took a huge deflection off Gary Cahill, which left Courtois helpless to stop it.
Cahill made up for that just five minutes later, as he helped to get the Blues back level. Cesc Fabregas swung in a corner, and Cahill got on the end of Costa’s flick. Goal line technology was needed, and it showed that the ball did indeed cross the line, levelling up the scores.
The Blues pressed for most of the second half, but they were unable to find a way through the Liverpool back line. Chelsea continued to be the better side in the second half, and they finally went ahead over an hour into the game. Azpilicueta, who was in inspired form at left back, went for a run down the left flank and got free after some great work. The Spaniard got himself into a crossing position and saw his centre palmed away by Mignolet and fall right to Costa. The Spaniard lashed home to grab his 10th goal of the season.
Jose Mourinho clearly went for a different approach than he had for the games at the Manchester clubs, as he didn’t make any changes after going ahead. Didier Drogba and Filipe Luis came on in added time for Eden Hazard and Costa, but Mikel was left on the bench.
Liverpool were unable to really force a chance towards the end, and it was a much more comfortable finish than at either City or United. The Blues have already travelled to four of last season’s top seven and it’s only November. This win opened up a 15 point gap between Chelsea and Liverpool, with the Reds down in mid-table, and sees the Blues picking up their ninth win from 11 league games, which is very ominous for the other sides hoping to have a run at the title.
LCN Man of the Match: Cesar Azpilicueta