John Arne Riise put Liverpool ahead after just 43 seconds, with a goal
that TV coverage put at travelling at 79.5 miles per hour. Over the
next 46 minutes Chelsea weren’t able to trouble Liverpool too much,
although there were a couple of worrying moments. Hyypia and Traore
both picked up bookings, and Liverpool were also denied what looked to
be a clear penalty when Gerrard was dragged down in the box.
Concentration will be key now for both teams in the second half –
Liverpool have, perhaps sensibly, played quite a safety-first game
since going ahead, and what is said in the dressing room could be key
to the destiny of this year’s Carling Cup.