3 things we learned from Chelsea’s win over Liverpool

Jose Mourinho

The match ended 2-1 in favor of Chelsea, and with the win they remained in third place in the table while Liverpool slipped to fifth. Here’s a look at three things that we learned from this game.

1. Mourinho still unbeaten at Stamford Bridge

The Special One’s unbeaten run at The Bridge continued with yet another victory, extending his unbelievable record. Mourinho set up his team to break up Liverpool’s passing game in the middle of the park, and the constant pressing meant that Liverpool failed to get going in the first half.

In the second half, following Frank Lampard’s exit due to a thigh injury allowed Liverpool a foothold in the game, but a disciplined performance, typical of a Mourinho side, saw them through to the final whistle. The decision to play David Luiz nullified the effect of Suarez by denying him the space in which he generally drops into to create the chances for himself and his teammates. Further, his decision to start Samuel Eto’o ahead of Fernando Torres was vindicated by the Cameroonian getting on the score sheet.

2. Suarez can’t do it alone

Suarez may be in the form of his life for the Reds, but even he cannot do it all alone. Liverpool need to strengthen in the January window and bring in some quality in the middle of the park to support Suarez and Coutinho. While Daniel Sturridge’s return will undoubtedly provide support in the final third, the lack of quality in midfield is quite apparent in Steven Gerrard’s absence.

There is a lack of service into the front three and with Suarez dropping off deep to get the ball, it removed the threat of him making darting runs behind the defense. This made the job easier for the Chelsea defense with David Luiz tracking Suarez most of the time. If a quality midfielder is brought in who can create chances from deeper positions, Suarez will benefit from the better service and we may see a sustained push from Liverpool for the fourth and final Champions League spot.

3. The Premier League could do with a winter break

With five players pulling up with injuries in this game, there might be suggestions that a winter break would do the Premier League no harm. Branislav Ivanovic had to substituted early in the first half with a leg injury while Frank Lampard did not appear out of the dressing room in the second half due to a thigh injury and these forced changes allowed Liverpool to make a comeback in the second half. Samuel Eto’o too limped off in the second half and may have to be rested for their upcoming games.

Liverpool too weren’t without their casualties, with Joe Allen suffering a groin injury that required a tactical reshuffle owing to the lack of option sin midfield. Late in the game, Mamadou Sakho seemed to have pulled a hamstring that may well keep him out for a couple of weeks.

With the next round of fixtures just a couple of days away and the FA Cup third round to follow, expect more players to pull up with injuries. The luxury of enjoying football during the festive season seems to be coming at the cost of the health of the players, and maybe the FA need to consider a potential winter break for the Premier League as well.