Yesterday's performance by the Reds was an example of grit, determination and unbridled skill. Anfield was alive with optimism, and one can forgive the Chelsea players for once again being overawed by the strength of feeling and unity of support aimed towards a team and their manager. For Liverpool are undoubtedly a global brand, but there is a locality and history which transcends any success that a Russian billionaire's reubles can bring.
Dirk Kuyt opened the scoring after four minutes, with a clever nod down and a rifled shot into the top left hand corner. Petr Cech, returning from serious injury, had barely fitted his protective helmet.
The Reds dominated the play, urged on by Anfield's finest. On eighteen minutes, Jermaine Pennant took the ball down on the edge of the box, before firing a stunning, dipping shot over the ailing Chelsea keeper. Dominant and ruthless, the Reds had left Chelsea standing.
And it should have been more comprehensive. Chances for Peter Crouch amongst others were squandered, but Chelsea never looked like pulling level. A decidedly shaky defence and a similarly shaken Jose Mourinho have fallen further behind league leaders Man Utd, and while Chelsea reassemble and try to pull in one direction, Rafa Benitez and his players' sights must be now be rising. Second place is a distinct possibility.