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Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres : Chelsea
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Roy Hodgson Receives Timely Boost With News That Fernando Torres, Glen Johnson, Dirk Kuyt And Martin Skrtel Are Fit To Face West Ham
Monday, November 15, 2010
Football Special Report: Fernando Torres’ Future At Liverpool FC
Roy Hodgson, the manager of Liverpool, has said that he does not have any fear regarding the future of Fernando Torres, as he would stay at the club for sure. Hodgson said that the club is moving in the right direction which would ensure that the Spaniard would stay for longer period.
Apart from winning the Champions League, the only good thing left behind by Rafael Benitez was Fernando Torres. Benitez left nothing in the club but problems and troubles. Liverpool was relegated from its usual Champions League spot, while their financial condition also worsened. Roy Hodgson had only one thing in mind at the time of joining Liverpool. He had to protect two of his most important players, who were at the verge of leaving. In the end, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerard both stayed, making it possible for the club to come back despite severe shortcomings.
Despite having retained both of his main players, Hodgson was unable to get results. There were apparently only two match winners in the club, and both were playing far below their real form. Both these players had problems during the World Cup in South Africa, and they were unable to bounce back after their poor performances. The dilemma of Torres was, however, slightly different from Gerard. As England was humiliated in the tournament, Spain, on the other hand, went on to lift the prestigious trophy. Torres, unlike the Euro 2008 victory, had a very small part to play in it.
Fernando Torres was unable to bounce back from his shaky World Cup. His season did not start well, as he continued to struggle in Liverpool jersey. Hodgson had his future at stake and he desperately needed his striker to click for him. After the takeover by New England Sports Ventures, the pressure on Hodgson doubled as the new owners demanded results. The manager had to prove himself before he could be trusted with the much needed funds. The match against Chelsea could not have come at a worse time for Hodgson. Fortunately, Torres had awakened from his nightmare and was ready to punish the London side once again.
It was for the fifth time that Torres was facing Chelsea at Anfield. He had scored on all four previous occasions, and he seemed determined to do it again. The Spanish maestro was on target for the fifth match as well, as he gave the lead to his team. After a short while, Torres produced a brilliant individual effort and finished the game for Chelsea in the opening half of the match. The striker was in fine touch and it looked like he had never been in out of form. Again in the midweek, Torres found the goal which resulted in a draw against Wigan Athletic.
Ever since Liverpool’s takeover by New England Sports Ventures, things have gone better for Roy Hodgson and his club. The manager was able to produce some good results until the match against Chelsea. During this match, Torres came to the rescue of his manager, who now seems firm in his current position. Now, Hodgson is more confident than before, and he is finding the time to think about the future of his club.
There is no doubt that money would be invested in the January transfer window. However, the important thing for Hodgson is to make sure that his players stick with the club. In most cases, players tend to leave their clubs if the situation is not worthy of staying. Now, it is Hodgson’s duty to make his players believe that the sunny days are approaching at Liverpool. If he is able to retain his two players, i.e. Torres and Gerard, only then he would be able to clear his mind and make good signings in the coming transfer window.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Torres strikes as Reds held
Fernando Torres struck his fifth goal of the season as Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw at Wigan on Wednesday night.
The Spaniard gave another glimpse that he is back to his deadly best when he powered onto Steven Gerrard's magnificent through ball and fired home the opener on six minutes.
However, it was not enough to extend the Reds' winning run as Hugo Rodallega smashed in a deserved equaliser for a dangerous Latics outfit just after the interval.
It means Roy Hodgson's men remain ninth in the table ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke, five points adrift of Manchester City who lie fourth.
Liverpool arrived at the DW Stadium in buoyant mood and it was no surprise that Hodgson opted to name the same line-up that had produced such an impressive display in Sunday's win over Chelsea.
It saw the resurgent Torres continue up front alongside Dirk Kuyt while Martin Kelly retained his place at right-back.
Four wins from their last four matches meant there was a noticeable spring in the visitors' steps as they took to the field and they could have been ahead on two minutes when man of the moment Lucas Leiva picked up Maxi's pass before forcing a fine save out of Ali Al-Habsi with a raking shot from distance.
The travelling Kop roared their approval and with Liverpool dominating the early exchanges it wasn't long until they were on their feet celebrating the opener.
Steven Gerrard picked up the ball just inside his own half and instantly looked to send Torres clear with a sensational 40 yard pass. The Spaniard held off the attentions of Gary Caldwell and raced into the area before firing a low shot beyond the despairing dive of the Latics's stopper.
It gave the Reds the platform they would have wanted and on 16 minutes they should have doubled their advantage but Gerrard volleyed over after Kuyt had nodded his looped pass back into his path.
The hosts had barely threatened but did cause Pepe Reina a moment of concern soon after when Ronnie Stam outpaced Paul Konchesky on the overlap and sent in a dangerous low ball that fizzed right across the Spaniard's six yard box.
It seemed to give the hosts a lift as they came close again on 25 minutes when Charles N'Zogbia's dangerous run from the right ended with Mohamed Diame crashing a goalbound shot into the midriff of Jamie Carragher.
As the half hour approached Liverpool began to look less assured in possession and they were almost made to pay when Lucas presented the ball to N'Zogbia deep inside his own half. The former Newcastle winger looked to have punished the Reds for some slack play but saw his celebrations cut short after Hugo Rodallega was adjudged to have strayed offside.
There had been a clear shift in dominance and Rodallega should have done better when he guided Stam's delightful near post cross just off target on the stroke of half-time.
Hodgson would have been frustrated that his side had not made more of their early breakthrough and his plans were further hit when Raul Meireles was forced off at the interval through illness.
The home side had now assumed the ascendancy and on 52 minutes they put together the move that saw them pull level.
A neat move down the right ended with Stam sending a devilish delivery into the danger zone. The exposed Reina could only parry the ball back into the heart of his area, allowing Rodallega the chance to flash a shot into the roof of the net.
In truth, it was no more than Roberto Martinez's men deserved and they continued to look the more likely as the second period developed into a scrappy affair.
First Diame cut inside and warmed Reina's hands with a well-struck 25 yarder before Maynor Figeuroa drilled just past the far upright.
There had been little sign of Liverpool as an attacking force but they almost restored their lead on 72 minutes when Maxi came within inches of converting Kelly's searching cross.
From the resulting corner the Reds did have the ball in the net but Kuyt's close range finish was correctly ruled out for offside.
Back up the other end and the ever-dangerous Stam raced to the byline and produced another teasing centre that Kelly did brilliantly to hack to safety.
Liverpool responded and were unlucky not to grab their second of the game on 79 minutes when Gerrard crashed a shot off the underside of the bar after Maxi had sent him clear.
With time running out the game became stretched as both sides probed for a winner and Reina had to be alert to deny Diame after the midfielder surged onto Stam's clever return pass.
It was a busy night for the Reds stopper and he ensured the Reds would leave the DW Stadium with a point when he kept out N'Zogbia's near post drive late on.
Liverpoolfc.tv man of the match: Jamie Carragher
The Spaniard gave another glimpse that he is back to his deadly best when he powered onto Steven Gerrard's magnificent through ball and fired home the opener on six minutes.
However, it was not enough to extend the Reds' winning run as Hugo Rodallega smashed in a deserved equaliser for a dangerous Latics outfit just after the interval.
It means Roy Hodgson's men remain ninth in the table ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke, five points adrift of Manchester City who lie fourth.
Liverpool arrived at the DW Stadium in buoyant mood and it was no surprise that Hodgson opted to name the same line-up that had produced such an impressive display in Sunday's win over Chelsea.
It saw the resurgent Torres continue up front alongside Dirk Kuyt while Martin Kelly retained his place at right-back.
Four wins from their last four matches meant there was a noticeable spring in the visitors' steps as they took to the field and they could have been ahead on two minutes when man of the moment Lucas Leiva picked up Maxi's pass before forcing a fine save out of Ali Al-Habsi with a raking shot from distance.
The travelling Kop roared their approval and with Liverpool dominating the early exchanges it wasn't long until they were on their feet celebrating the opener.
Steven Gerrard picked up the ball just inside his own half and instantly looked to send Torres clear with a sensational 40 yard pass. The Spaniard held off the attentions of Gary Caldwell and raced into the area before firing a low shot beyond the despairing dive of the Latics's stopper.
It gave the Reds the platform they would have wanted and on 16 minutes they should have doubled their advantage but Gerrard volleyed over after Kuyt had nodded his looped pass back into his path.
The hosts had barely threatened but did cause Pepe Reina a moment of concern soon after when Ronnie Stam outpaced Paul Konchesky on the overlap and sent in a dangerous low ball that fizzed right across the Spaniard's six yard box.
It seemed to give the hosts a lift as they came close again on 25 minutes when Charles N'Zogbia's dangerous run from the right ended with Mohamed Diame crashing a goalbound shot into the midriff of Jamie Carragher.
As the half hour approached Liverpool began to look less assured in possession and they were almost made to pay when Lucas presented the ball to N'Zogbia deep inside his own half. The former Newcastle winger looked to have punished the Reds for some slack play but saw his celebrations cut short after Hugo Rodallega was adjudged to have strayed offside.
There had been a clear shift in dominance and Rodallega should have done better when he guided Stam's delightful near post cross just off target on the stroke of half-time.
Hodgson would have been frustrated that his side had not made more of their early breakthrough and his plans were further hit when Raul Meireles was forced off at the interval through illness.
The home side had now assumed the ascendancy and on 52 minutes they put together the move that saw them pull level.
A neat move down the right ended with Stam sending a devilish delivery into the danger zone. The exposed Reina could only parry the ball back into the heart of his area, allowing Rodallega the chance to flash a shot into the roof of the net.
In truth, it was no more than Roberto Martinez's men deserved and they continued to look the more likely as the second period developed into a scrappy affair.
First Diame cut inside and warmed Reina's hands with a well-struck 25 yarder before Maynor Figeuroa drilled just past the far upright.
There had been little sign of Liverpool as an attacking force but they almost restored their lead on 72 minutes when Maxi came within inches of converting Kelly's searching cross.
From the resulting corner the Reds did have the ball in the net but Kuyt's close range finish was correctly ruled out for offside.
Back up the other end and the ever-dangerous Stam raced to the byline and produced another teasing centre that Kelly did brilliantly to hack to safety.
Liverpool responded and were unlucky not to grab their second of the game on 79 minutes when Gerrard crashed a shot off the underside of the bar after Maxi had sent him clear.
With time running out the game became stretched as both sides probed for a winner and Reina had to be alert to deny Diame after the midfielder surged onto Stam's clever return pass.
It was a busy night for the Reds stopper and he ensured the Reds would leave the DW Stadium with a point when he kept out N'Zogbia's near post drive late on.
Liverpoolfc.tv man of the match: Jamie Carragher
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Watch El Nino torment Chelsea
Fernando Torres smashed home a magnificent brace as Liverpool surged to an impressive 2-0 success over Chelsea – watch goals, highlights and analysis online now.
The Reds striker got the hosts off to a flyer when he controlled Dirk Kuyt's exquisite pass before sweeping it beyond Petr Cech on 11 minutes.
Roy Hodgson's side were rarely troubled by the league leaders and the No.9 capped a superb first-half display with a stunning second on 45 minutes.
The Spaniard cut in from the left and unleashed a right-foot shot that arced into the far corner, with Cech rooted to the spot.
Pepe Reina then made a stunning double save as the visitors improved after the interval but the Liverpool defence stood firm to ensure the Reds picked up a fourth straight win.
To relive how we moved to within five points of third placed Arsenal, click on the link below.
Torres class sinks Chelsea
Fernando Torres produced a striker's masterclass to score twice as Liverpool inflicted only a second defeat of the season on Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea.
The Spain international has a liking for playing the Londoners at Anfield, as his six goals in five matches against them at home shows.
Torres was more than happy to give a display of his quality to the Blues boss, whose side had conceded only three goals in 10 league games prior to kick-off.
It was always likely the result would come down to who took their chances and with Didier Drogba left on the bench until the second half, Torres was given a head start.
He did not need a second invitation and in addition to his two expertly-taken first-half goals he was a constant threat to the Chelsea defence
Torres has been short of form this season but he has always been able to produce a performance against Chelsea at Anfield over the years and this was no different.
It took just 11 minutes for him to reopen old wounds with a classic piece of finishing courtesy of a cross from Dirk Kuyt, making a welcome return after a month's absence with an ankle injury, on the left.
The Dutchman chipped a pass over the head of John Terry and Torres took one touch before firing past Petr Cech.
Having looked short of confidence this season the 26-year-old appeared to spring to life, immediately going on a short run and firing wide.
Possession was fairly even but Liverpool created the best chances, having a penalty shout dismissed when Terry's clearance bounced up on to Yuri Zhirkov's arm from which Raul Meireles shot at Cech.
Torres did not give the goalkeeper any such chance with his second just before half-time with a strike even better than his opener and reminiscent of his first ever goal for the club - also against Chelsea.
Meireles dispossessed Ashley Cole in the centre of the pitch and rolled the ball out to the Spaniard on the left of the penalty area.
Cutting inside he curled a shot around Branislav Ivanovic and inside Terry and the far post.
It was a fitting end to undoubtedly Liverpool's best first half of the season, which was as much down to excellent organisation at the back as Torres' potency up front.
With Jamie Carragher, restored to centre-back, barking the orders the hosts limited Chelsea to one shot on target - and that a weak Salomon Kalou header straight at Jose Reina.
Drogba's arrival for the start of the second half was inevitable but the Ivory Coast international's first shooting opportunity saw him curl a 30-yard free-kick well wide.
Ramires headed over and Zhirkov's shot was turned around the post by Reina, who also produced a brilliant close-range stop to deny Florent Malouda.
Having got themselves into a winning position it was now a question of holding on to it for Liverpool as Chelsea ramped up the pressure.
Torres may be paid to score goals but the sight of him hoofing the ball into the upper tier of the Centenary Stand was testament to the determination of everyone to hang on at all costs.
Kuyt almost wrapped things up 15 minutes from time only for Cech's outstretched leg to divert the ball wide.
Chelsea knew it was not to be their day when Nicolas Anelka's shot squeezed under Reina, whose slight touch deflected the ball up on to the bar and then Carragher cleared from the lurking Drogba two yards out.
The win moved Liverpool into ninth, the first time they have been in the top half since the opening weekend of the season, after three successive Barclays Premier League victories.
They are still not in a position to challenge Chelsea at the top of the table - where they still have a two-point lead over Manchester United - but they proved, on their day and with Torres on form, they remain a match for any side.
It seems a corner has now been turned in Roy Hodgson's reign, and with matches to come against Wigan, Stoke and West Ham there is a real chance for them to restore some of the damage done by their poor start to the season.
Teams
Liverpool Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky, Meireles (Spearing 90), Lucas, Kuyt (Shelvey 84), Gerrard, Maxi, Torres (Ngog 87). Subs Not Used: Hansen, Jovanovic, Wilson, Poulsen.
Goals: Torres 11, 44.
Chelsea Cech, Ivanovic (Bosingwa 70), Terry, Alex, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Zhirkov (Sturridge 76), Kalou (Drogba 46), Anelka, Malouda. Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Ferreira, Kakuta, McEachran.
Booked: Zhirkov, Alex.
Att: 44,238
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).
The Spain international has a liking for playing the Londoners at Anfield, as his six goals in five matches against them at home shows.
Torres was more than happy to give a display of his quality to the Blues boss, whose side had conceded only three goals in 10 league games prior to kick-off.
It was always likely the result would come down to who took their chances and with Didier Drogba left on the bench until the second half, Torres was given a head start.
He did not need a second invitation and in addition to his two expertly-taken first-half goals he was a constant threat to the Chelsea defence
Torres has been short of form this season but he has always been able to produce a performance against Chelsea at Anfield over the years and this was no different.
It took just 11 minutes for him to reopen old wounds with a classic piece of finishing courtesy of a cross from Dirk Kuyt, making a welcome return after a month's absence with an ankle injury, on the left.
The Dutchman chipped a pass over the head of John Terry and Torres took one touch before firing past Petr Cech.
Having looked short of confidence this season the 26-year-old appeared to spring to life, immediately going on a short run and firing wide.
Possession was fairly even but Liverpool created the best chances, having a penalty shout dismissed when Terry's clearance bounced up on to Yuri Zhirkov's arm from which Raul Meireles shot at Cech.
Torres did not give the goalkeeper any such chance with his second just before half-time with a strike even better than his opener and reminiscent of his first ever goal for the club - also against Chelsea.
Meireles dispossessed Ashley Cole in the centre of the pitch and rolled the ball out to the Spaniard on the left of the penalty area.
Cutting inside he curled a shot around Branislav Ivanovic and inside Terry and the far post.
It was a fitting end to undoubtedly Liverpool's best first half of the season, which was as much down to excellent organisation at the back as Torres' potency up front.
With Jamie Carragher, restored to centre-back, barking the orders the hosts limited Chelsea to one shot on target - and that a weak Salomon Kalou header straight at Jose Reina.
Drogba's arrival for the start of the second half was inevitable but the Ivory Coast international's first shooting opportunity saw him curl a 30-yard free-kick well wide.
Ramires headed over and Zhirkov's shot was turned around the post by Reina, who also produced a brilliant close-range stop to deny Florent Malouda.
Having got themselves into a winning position it was now a question of holding on to it for Liverpool as Chelsea ramped up the pressure.
Torres may be paid to score goals but the sight of him hoofing the ball into the upper tier of the Centenary Stand was testament to the determination of everyone to hang on at all costs.
Kuyt almost wrapped things up 15 minutes from time only for Cech's outstretched leg to divert the ball wide.
Chelsea knew it was not to be their day when Nicolas Anelka's shot squeezed under Reina, whose slight touch deflected the ball up on to the bar and then Carragher cleared from the lurking Drogba two yards out.
The win moved Liverpool into ninth, the first time they have been in the top half since the opening weekend of the season, after three successive Barclays Premier League victories.
They are still not in a position to challenge Chelsea at the top of the table - where they still have a two-point lead over Manchester United - but they proved, on their day and with Torres on form, they remain a match for any side.
It seems a corner has now been turned in Roy Hodgson's reign, and with matches to come against Wigan, Stoke and West Ham there is a real chance for them to restore some of the damage done by their poor start to the season.
Teams
Liverpool Reina, Kelly, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky, Meireles (Spearing 90), Lucas, Kuyt (Shelvey 84), Gerrard, Maxi, Torres (Ngog 87). Subs Not Used: Hansen, Jovanovic, Wilson, Poulsen.
Goals: Torres 11, 44.
Chelsea Cech, Ivanovic (Bosingwa 70), Terry, Alex, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Zhirkov (Sturridge 76), Kalou (Drogba 46), Anelka, Malouda. Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Ferreira, Kakuta, McEachran.
Booked: Zhirkov, Alex.
Att: 44,238
Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).
Torres double sinks Chelsea
Liverpool's rejuvenation continued as two moments of brilliance from Fernando Torres sunk Premier League leaders Chelsea at Anfield.
Torres, who has struggled for form and fitness since the World Cup, was back to his best to torment Chelsea once more, ensuring the champions' lead at the top of the table was cut to two points and Liverpool rose into the top 10 with a third successive league victory.
The Spain striker opened the scoring early on with a finish of rare finesse and added his second a minute before the break with a magnificent curling effort past Chelsea keeper Petr Cech to make it seven goals in eight games against the Londoners.
Roy Hodgson's side then defended their lead doggedly in the face of a renewed Chelsea challenge after the break, helped by the belated introduction of Didier Drogba, who had been suffering from a fever and was restricted to the substitutes' bench in the first half.
Chelsea badly missed the influence of midfield pair Frank Lampard and Michael Essien, and Liverpool's feverish work-rate, allied to the Torres's outstanding finishing, earned them three points that was celebrated ecstatically on The Kop.
Liverpool boss Hodgson will be starting to feel his reign, so troubled and turbulent early on as they dropped into the relegation zone, is now clicking into gear - although there is still so much work to be done, and confidence is still a rebuilding process judging by the needless retreat into negativity for periods of the second half.
His Chelsea counterpart Carlo Ancelotti will reflect on a display that never kicked into life until the second half, when Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina saved brilliantly from Florent Malouda before diverting Nicolas Anelka's shot on to the bar in a frantic finale.
Ancelotti had to leave Drogba on the bench, and the Ivorian was sorely missed as he was forced to watch Liverpool's master marksman Torres provide all the quality in the first 45 minutes.
Ancelotti cut a frustrated figure in his technical area as Chelsea's lifeless display was punished ruthlessly by Torres.
Dirk Kuyt's return after an ankle injury not only provided Liverpool with greater endeavour but also invaluable support for Torres, and it was those two forwards who combined to carve through Chelsea's defence after 11 minutes.
Torres's first touch was perfect as he collected Kuyt's clever pass and the Spaniard's finish was of equal quality as he lifted the ball over Cech.
Reina was virtually unemployed in the first 45 minutes as Chelsea failed to mount any serious threat, and it was another moment of magic from Torres that doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time.
Raul Meireles won possession from Ashley Cole in midfield, and when the Portuguese midfielder found Torres, the Spaniard curled a stunning finish into the only space available to send Anfield into ecstasy.
Ancelotti responded by introducing Drogba for the second half at the expense of Salomon Kalou - and the effect was obvious, helped by Liverpool's obvious desire to hold on to what they had.
In a spell of sustained Chelsea pressure, Ramires headed Cole's cross over the top when he should have done better and Reina saved well from Yuri Zhirkov's powerful angled effort.
As Chelsea applied the pressure, Reina came to Liverpool's rescue with a crucial reaction save from Malouda as he stole in on the end of Drogba's cross.
Liverpool broke the shackles with 15 minutes left and almost wrapped up the win when Chelsea could only half-clear a corner and Cech diverted Kuyt's effort away with his legs.
Chelsea's last chance came and went when Reina's turned Anelka's shot on to the bar, leaving Anfield in full voice as Liverpool celebrated a vital win.
Torres, who has struggled for form and fitness since the World Cup, was back to his best to torment Chelsea once more, ensuring the champions' lead at the top of the table was cut to two points and Liverpool rose into the top 10 with a third successive league victory.
The Spain striker opened the scoring early on with a finish of rare finesse and added his second a minute before the break with a magnificent curling effort past Chelsea keeper Petr Cech to make it seven goals in eight games against the Londoners.
Roy Hodgson's side then defended their lead doggedly in the face of a renewed Chelsea challenge after the break, helped by the belated introduction of Didier Drogba, who had been suffering from a fever and was restricted to the substitutes' bench in the first half.
Chelsea badly missed the influence of midfield pair Frank Lampard and Michael Essien, and Liverpool's feverish work-rate, allied to the Torres's outstanding finishing, earned them three points that was celebrated ecstatically on The Kop.
Liverpool boss Hodgson will be starting to feel his reign, so troubled and turbulent early on as they dropped into the relegation zone, is now clicking into gear - although there is still so much work to be done, and confidence is still a rebuilding process judging by the needless retreat into negativity for periods of the second half.
His Chelsea counterpart Carlo Ancelotti will reflect on a display that never kicked into life until the second half, when Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina saved brilliantly from Florent Malouda before diverting Nicolas Anelka's shot on to the bar in a frantic finale.
Ancelotti had to leave Drogba on the bench, and the Ivorian was sorely missed as he was forced to watch Liverpool's master marksman Torres provide all the quality in the first 45 minutes.
Ancelotti cut a frustrated figure in his technical area as Chelsea's lifeless display was punished ruthlessly by Torres.
Dirk Kuyt's return after an ankle injury not only provided Liverpool with greater endeavour but also invaluable support for Torres, and it was those two forwards who combined to carve through Chelsea's defence after 11 minutes.
Torres's first touch was perfect as he collected Kuyt's clever pass and the Spaniard's finish was of equal quality as he lifted the ball over Cech.
Reina was virtually unemployed in the first 45 minutes as Chelsea failed to mount any serious threat, and it was another moment of magic from Torres that doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time.
Raul Meireles won possession from Ashley Cole in midfield, and when the Portuguese midfielder found Torres, the Spaniard curled a stunning finish into the only space available to send Anfield into ecstasy.
Ancelotti responded by introducing Drogba for the second half at the expense of Salomon Kalou - and the effect was obvious, helped by Liverpool's obvious desire to hold on to what they had.
In a spell of sustained Chelsea pressure, Ramires headed Cole's cross over the top when he should have done better and Reina saved well from Yuri Zhirkov's powerful angled effort.
As Chelsea applied the pressure, Reina came to Liverpool's rescue with a crucial reaction save from Malouda as he stole in on the end of Drogba's cross.
Liverpool broke the shackles with 15 minutes left and almost wrapped up the win when Chelsea could only half-clear a corner and Cech diverted Kuyt's effort away with his legs.
Chelsea's last chance came and went when Reina's turned Anelka's shot on to the bar, leaving Anfield in full voice as Liverpool celebrated a vital win.
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