Liverpool 1 vs. Chelsea 1
I'm shocked and am stunned.
Dirk Kuyt's goal before the half gave Liverpool the edge and turned the spirited Chelsea attack into one of desperation. You could feel the Blues throwing themselves in the way Portugal attacked in the dying moments of the World Cup semis in 2006.
And for the Reds to give up an own goal in injury time, Chelsea has scored a crucial away goal as they head for Stamford Bridge while dreaming of Moscow.
John Arne Riise replaced Fabio Aurelio in the 62nd minute and I wondered if this was going to be like Ole Gunnar Solskaejr when his late entrance and goal helped Manchester United beat Bayern Munich all those years ago. That too, was like Italy's late goals to send Germany home in the last World Cup.
Riise in his eighth year in Liverpool has been a hero at the Kop with his goal-scoring prowess and play in the midfield. But pressure from Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka off a cross forced the Norwegian to head an own goal that was so shocking. I feel like I'm Kirk Hinrich still dazed after a sucky season.
Liverpool was lucky still that Chelsea's top striker, Didier Drogba wasn't awarded a penalty for all the tackling against him by Jamie Carragher. I've always thought that you needed someone like Drogba to guard him. The Ivorian is not only fast but he is powerfully built. Using American football terms, think of Drogba having a linebacker's strength but having the speed of a wide receiver. That's how difficult a match up he is for many a defensive back.
And they've given Avram Grant's side a massive wake up call and they'll be hard to stop at their home field.
I'm stunned and this is not a great way to start the day.
And for the Reds to give up an own goal in injury time, Chelsea has scored a crucial away goal as they head for Stamford Bridge while dreaming of Moscow.
John Arne Riise replaced Fabio Aurelio in the 62nd minute and I wondered if this was going to be like Ole Gunnar Solskaejr when his late entrance and goal helped Manchester United beat Bayern Munich all those years ago. That too, was like Italy's late goals to send Germany home in the last World Cup.
Riise in his eighth year in Liverpool has been a hero at the Kop with his goal-scoring prowess and play in the midfield. But pressure from Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka off a cross forced the Norwegian to head an own goal that was so shocking. I feel like I'm Kirk Hinrich still dazed after a sucky season.
Liverpool was lucky still that Chelsea's top striker, Didier Drogba wasn't awarded a penalty for all the tackling against him by Jamie Carragher. I've always thought that you needed someone like Drogba to guard him. The Ivorian is not only fast but he is powerfully built. Using American football terms, think of Drogba having a linebacker's strength but having the speed of a wide receiver. That's how difficult a match up he is for many a defensive back.
And they've given Avram Grant's side a massive wake up call and they'll be hard to stop at their home field.
I'm stunned and this is not a great way to start the day.
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