Valentin de Boulogne, Soldiers Playing Cards and Dice (The Cheats)
“Second-half goals from Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda gave Chelsea a deserved 2-0 victory over Liverpool and put them two points clear at top of the Barclays Premier League. The France international struck first in the 60th minute when he finished off a sublime low cross from Didier Drogba as Chelsea defied their critics with a performance of grit and quality.” (ESPN)
Chelsea 2 – 0 Liverpool
“Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda sent Chelsea back to the top of the Premier League as their second-half goals gave Carlo Ancelotti’s side a deserved victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. The enigmatic Didier Drogba – who mixed theatrics with threat in an encounter that was competitive rather than compelling – won the battle of the strikers with Liverpool’s Fernando Torres to make decisive contributions and set up Chelsea’s win.” (BBC)
Henrique Hilário proves he is no laughing stock
“Chelsea were supposed to be saddled with a weak link here though, if Liverpool had arrived sensing vulnerability, their confidence ultimately proved misplaced. Henrique Hilário made his first Premier League start of the season, and only his second since New Year’s Day 2008, against the Merseysiders with Petr Cech suspended, many of the home fans still pining for their departed regular understudy Carlo Cudicini and the visitors smelling blood. It says much for the Portuguese that he appeared to take all of this in his stride.” (Guardian)
Crisis, what crisis? Rafa tells everyone to calm down
“Manchester United, after losing at Burnley, and Arsenal, following two defeats in Manchester, have heard talk of an early-season crisis and come through it. Now it is the turn of Chelsea and Liverpool, who go into their meeting at Stamford Bridge today on the back of a performance or two that fell below expected standards. Carlo Ancelotti’s team were out of sorts in defeat at Wigan and scarcely much better against Apoel Nicosia; Rafa Benitez’s, beaten by the three decent sides they have faced, were as poor as he had known them in the first half against Fiorentina. Both managers raised their voices with unusual force.” (Independent)
Nicolas Anelka takes Chelsea back to the top of the Barclays Premier League
“Nicolas Anelka scored for the first time against former club Liverpool and Florent Malouda added a second in stoppage time to take Chelsea back to the top of the Barclays Premier League. Anelka was left with a simple tap-in on the hour after Didier Drogba capped a superb break with a wonderful cross from the left and the Ivorian was provider again in the 91st minute, escaping the clutches of Jamie Carragher on the opposite flank to set up Malouda.” (TimesOnline)
Posted by 1960s: Days of Rage 