Liverpool vs Chelsea Champions League

Liverpool deal themselves a Champions League hammer blow
Liverpool gave themselves a bit of a mountain to climb against Chelsea in this Champions League tie. Leading 1-0 and looking relatively comfortable, John Arne Riise headed into his own net with the last touch of the game.

After an absorbing game, particularly the second half, Liverpool had just about done enough to deserve the lead going into the second leg, but Chelsea got a Champions League get out of jail card.

Chelsea started this Champions League semi-final the better of the two teams, but as against Arsenal, Liverpool eventually got into the game and began to stretch their opponents. For 30 minutes either side of half time Chelsea were on the rack a bit, as Liverpool started to create chances.

Dirk Kuyt got a deserved opener, after dispossessing Lampard and running onto Mascherano's speculative chip over Terry and Carvalho, to calmly slot the ball past Cech. For large parts of the second half Liverpool were dominant, but it must be said Chelsea also had some great chances, with Cole in the first half, and Malouda in the second, wasting when well placed.

That Chelsea are still in the tie is due in no small part to Petr Cech. He made three outstanding saves, two at close range from Torres, and one from a Gerrard volley that he tipped over the bar.

Chelsea were also fortunate to have a lenient referee, with some brutal treatment handed out to Liverpool's Fernando Torres. Their back line constantly led with the elbow when jumping for the ball, or simply went through the back of him. Not until the 90th minute did a Chelsea player get booked, much to the sarcastic cheers of disgruntled Liverpool fans.

So it's to Stamford Bridge, with a fortunate advantage to Chelsea in this Champions League duel with Liverpool. Liverpool must now score at Chelsea or they are out. Simple as that!

Arsenal News

Arsenal News: Wenger and the boys getting lampooned big time!


Quality bit of Arsenal lampoonery. Seen this on a Liverpool forum - its absolutely quality!! No idea what it is but I think its great! Seen it here Hopefully Arsenal fans will laugh at it too in amongst all the bad news surrounding their team!

Not quite Arsenal news in the true sense but a good laugh all the same

Liverpool vs Chelsea Champions League

Its the Anfield hothouse for Liverpool vs Chelsea in the Champions League

Liverpool vs Chelsea in the Champions League will have Anfield packed to the rafters, for what the Liverpool fans hope will be another special Champions League night. Chelsea meanwhile will be hoping to come away with a clean sheet, or moreover, a priceless away goal to swing the tie their way come the second leg at Stamford Bridge.

Champions League specialists Liverpool, have a major worry over captain Steven Gerrard, who has a minor neck injury, and remains a 50/50 doubt for the game. Otherwise, the ever absent Harry Kewell, and long term injury victim Daniel Agger apart, Liverpool will be at full strength. The loss of Gerrard for the first leg would be a major blow, given the recent form and partnership he has formed with Fernando Torres. Interestingly Gerrard, Carragher and Aurelio are all on yellow cards going into this game, so another means they sit out the second leg.

For Chelsea, Frank Lampard is available after missing games due to his mothers illness, which has given them a major boost ahead of this third Champions League semi-final against Liverpool. However Michael Essien is suspended for this game. Otherwise Avram Grant has a full squad to choose from.

Tactically expect Liverpool to come out of the blocks racing, hoping a high tempo and their fans will quickly kill off this first leg in their favour. Chelsea meanwhile, will hope to survive an early onslaught, and not to be unnerved by the Kop as they were in 2005 and arguably 2006. If they can get to half-time with a clean sheet and a foothold in the game they will be very pleased.

The absence of Essien is a big blow to Chelsea, particularly for the first leg, when big hearts will be required. Liverpool have coped admirably without Daniel Agger, with Skrtel, Hyppia and Carragher all showing outstanding for throughout the season. Expect Liverpool to have a physical back line of Carragher, Skrtel, Hyppia and Aurelio for both legs.

Liverpool vs Chelsea in the Champions league - they don't get much bigger. Footy focus just can't call it! It really could go either way!