Result: Chelsea 0 Liverpool 0

Barclays Premier League – February 10th 2007 – Result

Chelsea 0 Liverpool 0

Rafa Benitez: “Maybe he (Torres) will be available for the weekend. He is with the physiotherapists now. He’s very optimistic, so he could be available.

“Normally to get a point would be a good situation against Chelsea. But after the game when in the first half we had some chances and in the second half we were defending well and had some half chances, it could have been three points. In the second half we had to defend more but we did that well and also had some half chances close to their box. We could have taken three points but it’s not easy when you play against a good team. I was pleased with the team, especially the first half performance because we created some really clear opportunities. Crouch had some good chances but as team we showed character and the commitment of every player was very positive.

“It was against a very good team. All of them are very good players starting with their goalkeeper, so to create some chances is positive. If you cannot take your chances you know that is the difference between winning and drawing sometimes. Overall I would say to get a point here is not bad but when you have chances like we did to win here today you must be disappointed. The plan as always was to win the game and we didn’t play for a draw. We were attacking and did almost everything that’s needed for winning.

“We now need to think about trying to take three points in every game we play. We now have two important games in the FA Cup and Champions League coming up and we need to think about them. In terms of our position in the table we need to keep working hard and play as we did today if it’s possible. If we can do that against the other teams then I’m sure we will start winning.

“Every game is important for us and it doesn’t matter what competition it is. We want to finish in the top four and we need to think about the next three points at home against Middlesbrough, we have to keep working hard.”

“Martin (Skrtel) did well. His fitness was good and I think he will get even better because he is learning English, and tactically he will also improve the understanding with his teammates.”

Avram Grant: “It was a 100 per cent penalty but the only penalty I know is when the referee blows his whistle. He’s a good referee, he made a mistake, it happens. For us it’s not the first time this season so we are used to it. We are still chasing the title. I think I was a big physical pressure on a small group of players the last two months so maybe they are a little tired. But this is part of the game now. They did a good job until now and I hope they continue. Soon we will have more players back.

“We are not happy. Every game we want to win especially at home. It’s a good feeling for us to play in front of our supporters and we didn’t play well this time, but it’s not easy to play against Liverpool. They are a very technical team and know how to play tactically and don’t give you much space to play.”

Chelsea: 1 Cech, 35 Belletti, 6 Carvalho, 33 Alex, 3 A Cole, 13 Ballack, 4 Makelele, 8 Lampard (12 Obi, 71), 24 Wright-Phillips (15 Malouda, 64), 39 Anelka, 10 J Cole (14 Pizarro, 86)
Unused subs: 23 Cudicini, 22 Ben-Haim
Bookings: Belletti 3, Carvalho 74, Alex 78

Liverpool: 25 Reina, 3 Finnan, 23 Carragher, 37 Skrtel, 6 Riise, 8 Gerrard, 20 Mascherano, 21 Lucas, 19 Babel (16 Pennant, 71), 15 Crouch, 18 Kuyt
Unused subs: 30 Itandje, 7 Kewell, 11 Benayoun, 45 San Jose Dominguez
Bookings: Babel 41, Riise 63

BBC Stats: (Chelsea – Liverpool)
Possession: 47% – 53%
Shots on target: 3 – 4
Shots off target: 2 – 7
Corners: 6 – 5
Fouls: 14 – 20

Sky Stats: (Chelsea – Liverpool)
Possession: 52.7 – 47.3
Shots on Target: 1 – 1
Shots off Target: 3 – 6
Blocked Shots: 5 – 3
Corners: 6 – 4
Fouls: 17 – 25
Offsides: 3 – 1

Referee: Mike Riley
Attendance: 41,788

3 thoughts on “Result: Chelsea 0 Liverpool 0”

  1. Avram Grant: “It was a 100 per cent penalty but the only penalty I know is when the referee blows his whistle. He’s a good referee, he made a mistake, it happens. For us it’s not the first time this season so we are used to it.

    I suppose these decisions even themselves out over time.

    Remember the ‘penalty’ Chelski was awarded at Anfield in the beginning of the season?

  2. How can the stats differ so wildly from one website to another? Stats are facts, are they not?

    Just goes to show, you shouldn’t believe everything you read.

  3. Should it have been a penalty? I guess there was contact, but Mascherano was clearly pulling out of the challenge before Cole theatrically threw himself to the turf.

    I for one have no complaints over Mr Riley’s interpretation, but there again I’m probably a bit biased.

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