Chelsea Overpower Poor Reds

Yet another disappointing defeat for Liverpool handed Chelsea the intiative in the title race, leaving Manchester United with little chance of claiming a record 19th League Championship. It was a frustratingly poor performance from the Reds, and the only positive to take from the match is the fact that a loss means that our bitter rivals are unlikely to win the title.

Liverpool started brightly, and dominated play for the first 20 minutes, however after a mistake from Steven Gerrard had allowed Didier Drogba to give Chelsea the lead Liverpool never looked liked threatening the Chelsea goal, and once again looked devoid of any sort of attacking creativity in the absence of the injured Fernando Torres.

Even Alberto Aquilani, who was starting his third consecutive game (which is probably a record!), failed to inspire a tepid Liverpool, who really seemed deflated after our season ended on Thursday night, following an away goals defeat to Athletico Madrid that sent us crashing out of the Europa League at the semi-final stage.

After only 40 seconds Frank Lampard's shot sailed wide from 25 yards out, before Mascherano disappointignly drove a shot wide of goal, after a Steven Gerrard corner had been cleared towards the Argentine on the edge of the box. Then, Malouda skipped past several of our defenders before his weak effort rolled wide of the post.

The first real opportunity fell to Alberto Aquilani after ten minutes had been played. The Italian received a square pass from Steven Gerrard before unleashing a scintilating strike which went inches over the cross bar. It was a fantastic shot from Aquilani that deserved a goal.

At this stage Liverpool were on top, however that wasn't really anything to do with the Reds as the away side sat back and aimed to keep the game tight for the first 20 minutes.

Just before the half hour mark Gerrard sent a pass from deep to the feet of Maxi Rodriguez. Maxi flicked the ball through for Aquilani, who was free in the penalty area. Unfortunately, Aquilani was easily pushed off the ball by Ivanovic. The supporters appealed for a spot kick but Alan Wiley was never going to give it.

After that, Gerrard ran with purpose down the right wing, then sent an inviting cross into the penalty area that Maxi just couldn't reach. It was a magnificent chance, and Maxi should have netted to give Liverpool the vital first goal.

Only a minute later Liverpool paid for failing to capatalise on that glorious opportunity as a mistake from Steven Gerrard gifted Chelsea the lead. Our skipper attempted a back pass from too far out, and Drogba sprinted onto the ball and cleverly took it round the corner before slotting home at the Kop end. It was a terrible mistake by Gerrard, and one that he has made in the past as well. From memory, similar back passes against France and Arsenal have gifted Theirry Henry goals from nothing.

That goal set Liverpool back, and we never recovered from there. The rest of the match was just a horror show as our weak forward line was comfortably blunted by the strong Chelsea defence.

Ten minutes before the break Ashley Cole, who has just recovered from a long term injury, received a long forward pass, in an advanced position on the left wing. Cole played a magnificent square pass to Frank Lampard, who was in acres of space on the egde of the box. Lampard took a touch before shooting just wide of the right hand post. It was a bad miss from the England man, as he squandered a great opportunity to inflict more pain onto Liverpool.

On the stroke of half time Chelsea had a penalty appeal turned down by the referee. Kalou ghosted past Carragher with consummate ease, and was clean through on goal. Lucas desperately ran back in an effort to make a challenge, however, as Kalou ran into the box he cleverly ran into the path of the Brazilian, meaning that contact was inevitable.

The penalty was not given as, although Lucas had touched him slightly, Kalou also tripped up over his own leg. If the roles were reversed, and Liverpool had been denied the spot kick, then I would be furious. Although Kalou did trip himself up there was some contact, and usually in those situations there would be a penalty and a red card for Lucas. It was a massive let off for the Reds.

Liverpool came out for the second half looking to improve and grab an equaliser, however the exact opposite happended as the Reds performance deteriorated. Early on, Kalou, Cole and Malouda exchanged passes in a triangle before Kalou ran past Mascherano, who was starting at right back once again, like he wasn't even there. Kalou ran across the by-line, then sent a pass to the feet of Anelka. All the Frenchman had to do was touch the ball and he would have doubled Chelsea's lead however, stunningly, he missed from a mere three yards.

Soon after, Chelsea did score again to seal their victory, sending their fans into euphoria. Ivanovic played a pass to Didier Drogba, who intelligently chipped the ball wide to Anelka. Anelka fired the ball square to Lampard who converted with ease from close range. It was horrible defending from Liverpool as Lampard was left unmarked, and Anelka was played onside by a slow Mascherano.

On the hour mark Babel had our only chance of the half, as the Dutch forward, who had replaced the injured Maxi, volleyed the ball wide of goal under pressure from Alex and Terry. It was hardly a chance, yet it was the only attempt, of any note, that the Reds had in a shocking second half display.

Reina had to be on top form to keep the score at 2-0, as he managed to stop Malouda's fantastic first time volley with a brilliant save, especially considering Nicolas Anelka was blocking his view.

With 12 minutes left to play Reina easily beat away a free kick from Michael Ballack. After that, Chelsea counter-attacked and found themselves up against only three defenders. Malouda passed the ball to Anelka, who's shot was beaten away by Reina into the path of Kalou. Reina recovered excellently to deny the Ivory Coast player by smothering the ball.

Overall, it was a horrible display from the Reds, however that can be expected after a long and agonising 120 minutes at home to Atletico Madrid only three days earlier. Perhaps if we had won that Europa League match then this game could have had a slightly different outcome, as the morale gained from a victory would have encouraged weary legs to perform against Chelsea.

Unfortunately it wasn't to be as we put in a thoroughly miserable performance. There are rumours that this could be Rafa's last game in charge of Liverpool at Anfield. If that is the case then it is a very disappointing note to end on.

I cannot wait until this season is over, and we can start afresh in August, whether that is with or without Rafa Benitez in charge of the club.

YNWA