Going into the game both clubs needed a win to shrug off potentially damaging form. Chelsea’s poor recent results and rumours of a fall out between manager and owner meant that Villas-Boas was under pressure to reassert his authority and reputation as a tactician. Liverpool meanwhile faced the possibility that defeat would leave them six points adrift of fourth place and regretting home draws with the likes of Swansea and Norwich even more.
Glen Johnson’s run into the box and calm finish brought the three points that Liverpool needed to stay firmly in the mix for a Champions League place. It also meant that all the awkward post match questions were reserved for Andre Villas-Boas despite his side being denied the lead at a crucial juncture only by a superb reaction save by Pepe Reina.
Kenny Dalglish opted for several changes bringing Bellamy and Maxi into the starting eleven and the first half fully vindicated his selection. The Reds played at a high tempo and with a determination to close down the opposition that had been strangely missing against Swansea. Charlie Adam, who is quietly growing into the responsibility of dictating Liverpool’s rhythm, dominated the midfield and his committed tackling and intelligent passing was instrumental in pinning Chelsea back for long periods. Ahead of him the positional interchange and movement of Bellamy, Maxi and Suarez offered outlets for that passing and continually unsettled the Chelsea defence. It was this combination that saw Liverpool take a deserved lead on the thirty third minute as Adam dispossessed a dawdling Mikel and Bellamy and Suarez played a quick one two before the Welshman teed up Maxi to slot the ball passed Cech.
Dalglish’s men continued to control proceedings until the break and as the sides left the pitch the only question remaining was whether they could sustain the energy needed to repeat the dominance in the second half. Villas-Boas’s answer was to send on Sturridge for Mikel. For the first twenty-five minutes of the half his response was successful. Chelsea wrestled the initiative away from the visitors and applied sustained pressure. They got the breakthrough on fifty five minutes when Malouda curled the ball across the six-yard box and Sturridge applied the finishing touch. Liverpool had looked vulnerable, ceding possession and territory to Chelsea, and the goal further rattled them. Two minutes later Ivanovic's header brought the game changing save by Reina. From that moment on the Reds slowly began to regain their composure and push further forward. Dirk Kuyt squandered a chance shortly after the introduction of old boys Torres and Meireles but Glen Johnson wrapped up the game on the eighty eighth minute. Adam’s sweeping pass to set him up capped a fine display by the Scot and extinguished any disappointment he may have felt about his half hearted attempt to close down Malouda in the lead up to Chelsea’s goal.
This was a fine performance by Dalglish's side in West London. Chelsea may have their problems but they are still difficult opponents. Unlike the tepid home displays against Norwich and Swansea the travelling fans witnessed a committed and combative performance. The defence was resolute throughout and both Johnson and Enrique found the space and energy to cause problems further upfield. Lucas battled for 90 minutes and as he often does against top four opponents looked as if he belongs at this level. The inclusion of Bellamy added an attacking purpose whenever he got on the ball and Maxi’s movement and composure was impressive. As the battle for a top four place intensifies this was a confidence inspiring victory and the three point reward prevented any doubts about the Reds ability to sustain an interest in it from gaining momentum. Both fans and players can now look ahead to next weeks clash with a rampant Man City with relish.