Chelsea 2 Liverpool FC 2 - final whistle report from Stamford Bridge

04 October 2009 17:13
SECOND half goals from Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda sent Liverpool crashing to their third Premier League defeat of the season at Stamford Bridge.[LNB]Anelka scored his fifth goal of the season when he finished off a cross from Didier Drogba on the hour, before substitute Malouda added the second in injury-time.[LNB]The Reds had started well, forcing Chelsea onto the back foot at the start of what promised to be an enthralling contest between two sides expected to contest the title this season.[LNB]Carlo Ancelotti's side were desperate to get back to winning ways in the league after their 3-1 drubbing by Wigan last week.[LNB]But it was Liverpool who dominated the early skirmishes in midfield with Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres linking up well.[LNB]It took Chelsea until the 17th minute to put together a decent move but Drogba's cross from the left eluded everyone in the penalty area.[LNB]Liverpool continued to dominate but a shot from Albert Riera was high and wide of the target in the 19th minute.[LNB]Michael Essien appeared to be late and high with a challenge on Javier Mascherano but referee Atkinson was perfectly positioned to see the incident and waved play-on. The Liverpool player soon rose to his feet without any damage to his right leg.[LNB]Both sides were full of attacking desire but neither goalkeeper had been tested at the midway stage of the opening half.Liverpool's Jose Reina finally collected a header from Drogba just beneath the crossbar in the 24th minute.[LNB]In the 27th minute Reina was called into action again when Essien's cross was met by Nicolas Anelka.[LNB]The France international was unmarked but despite the luxury of a free header, he could not find a way past the Liverpool keeper.[LNB]Liverpool were handed a chance to opening the scoring in the 29th minute when Branislav Ivanovic was adjudged to have brought down Torres.[LNB]The free-kick was some 25 yards out but Gerrard's effort sailed over the crossbar to the delight of the home fans.[LNB]Four minutes later Chelsea squandered a real chance of their own after Drogba had been brought down by Jamie Carragher near the corner flag.[LNB]Deco's free-kick into the penalty area was well placed but Michael Ballack's header was off target from six yards.[LNB]Lampard's accuracy was lacking in the 36th minute when Drogba was brought down by Lucas. The England midfielder's ambitious attempt from some 40 yards was well wide of Reina's goal.

Source: Liverpool_Echo