Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea: 5 talking points

What a game. Like the Spurs-Man City tie earlier today, the Liverpool – Chelsea game kicked into life in the 2^nd half as the substitution made by Rodgers changed the course of the match. Overshadowing all of this, however, was the bite on Ivanovic by Suarez. Here are the five talking points of the match:

ENTHRALLING GAME

Super Sunday lived up to its billing with both the Spurs-City and the Liverpool-Chelsea games being entertainers. This game saw end-to-end action with no side dominating proceedings as such. The 2^nd half was an absolute humdinger with players like Suarez and Sturridge hogging the limelight with some brilliant (and ‘biting’) play. Chelsea were on course for a priceless 2-1 win which would’ve been of great help in their fight for a UCL berth. But a last-gasp Suarez header denied Rafael Benitez the win he really wanted. Chelsea were content to see out the match at 2-1 and the equalizer must’ve felt like a blow to the gut.

THE STURRIDGE EQUATION

Daniel Sturridge has been an amazing signing for Liverpool. He plays regularly and combines brilliantly with Suarez and Gerrard. He was on the bench in the 1^st half as Rodgers was fearful of losing the battle in midfield. But the home side struggled to break down a resolute Chelsea side. Suarez had a shot at goal but Liverpool was well short of a threat at that stage. But Sturridge’s introduction changed the game completely. He moved like a fly and caused all sorts of problems to Luiz and co. He had chances himself and set up Stevie G before finishing a sublime move with a simple side foot to score the equalizer. He also set up Suarez for the goal which ended the game at 2-2. If Rodgers needed any more reminders as to why he ought to start every game with Suarez, he got one today!

LUIS SUAREZ

The guy just cannot be kept quiet! He was THE central figure in this game. He caused a lot of problems to Chelsea with his runs and shots and when Sturridge came, his influence grew. He was in the right place at the right time to get his side a deserved point from the game. With 23 BPL goals, this guy sure has proved to be a superstar in an otherwise average side. His goals and assists aside, he also showed us another side of his personality with a bite on Ivanovic which would please even vampires! It was done knowingly and if the FA doesn’t ban him for the rest of the season, Liverpool should consider themselves very lucky indeed. Losing him would be a big blow to them morale wise. A good finish to the season will be a feel good factor going into the summer transfer window.

RAFA BENITEZ

Ex- Liverpool boss Benitez got a good reception from the home fans at the game. They chanted his name regularly during the 1^st half as well. He set up his side to do a smash and grab operation. They scored through an Oscar header from a corner in the 1^st half and a Suarez gifted penalty in the 2^nd. Apart from that, there was precious little by way of attacking threat from the away side. We didn’t see Hazard, Mata and Oscar attack the home goal as much as they usually do. At 2-1, his side was hanging on and the trio mentioned above were doing their share of the defensive work diligently. Much of that is down to Benitez. His inputs will benefit the incoming coach who’ll find a well-drilled and disciplined unit at his disposal. Much depends on how the race for 3^rd and 4^th place pans out. If Chelsea get a UCL berth, it gives Rafa a big plus point on his CV. Else, he’ll just be the fat Spanish waiter whom the Chelsea fans always hated.

RACE FOR UCL BERTH

With Spurs beating City earlier in the day, Chelsea knew a win would be needed if they were to better their chances of a top 4 finish. With the draw, we have Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs very close to each other. Arsenal has played a game more than their rivals. Chelsea and Spurs meet at the Bridge on 8^th May. That clash will be epic. All three sides are in good form. Chelsea and Arsenal will have to play to-be champions Man Utd. There’s a chance that Sir Alex may look to give the fringe players a run out in the remaining games. That may help these two. However, the race for UCL places will be a riveting one and the loser will have to bear the brunt of a financial and sporting loss, and perhaps loss of key players.

All in all, the game was a lively affair with both sides wanting to win. In the end, a 2-2 result left fans world over wondering, some tensely, which position their teams will end up at come the end of the season. Such tensions are what add to the charm of the BPL!