Salomon Kalou double sets up Anfield showdown

Chelsea set up an enthralling trip to Anfield on Sunday when, on a nervous, rain-soaked night at Stamford Bridge, Salomon Kalou scored twice to take his side back into second place, thanks in part to Liverpool's failure to beat Wigan. News that Wigan had equalised against Liverpool drew the biggest cheer on a night when hesitation and nervousness eventually made way for a strong belief that Chelsea still have a say in the destination of the Premier League pennant. They visit Liverpool level on points, separated by goal difference. So, following the cloud of gloom that has hung over Stamford Bridge following some dismal performances, and with the 3-0 mauling at Old Trafford still fresh in the mind, they face the possibility of finishing the weekend top of the Premier League. For that to happen Chelsea need Everton to win at Old Trafford on Saturday and then win at Anfield. But while their position may be as much down to the capricious nature of the title race as their talents, they deserve credit for keeping up with the leaders. Before the second-half goals came a touchline bust-up between Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari and Middlesbrough coach Malcolm Crosby. Scolari felt that Mohamed Shawky, already booked, deserved another caution and fourth official Steve Bennett had to intervene. The half-time whistle brought jeers from the home fans while Scolari headed straight for Crosby, before bodies got between the pair. Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate revealed that Scolari refused to shake hands at the end. He said: 'It was a strange reaction but that's his prerogative. There were words between my assistant and Scolari, he seemed to want to get one of our players booked, we weren't happy with that.' The incident brought into question again the strength of the Football Association's respect campaign and Chelsea assistant first team-coach Ray Wilkins added: 'I am all for the respect campaign but wherever we go, Frank Lampard gets, 'You fat whatever', and that is from England fans, is that respect? But if the referee felt he [Scolari] needed to be sent to the stands then he would have done so, but he didn't.'Scolari's reaction was also borne out of frustration after seeing his side fail to find a breakthrough. Ashley Cole found the side-netting while Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull deflected a Michael Ballack shot with his chest, before coping better with a rakish attempt from Lampard. The game deteriorated in the rain, with Chelsea limited to long-range attempts – Lampard wasted another free-kick before half-time – and Middlesbrough, with debutant Marlon King their lone striker, rarely breaking into the Chelsea half. Didier Drogba came on at half-time and, at times, dovetailed well with Nicolas Anelka. In the 55th minute Alex's goal-bound header was redirected over by Kalou. However, Chelsea's pressure paid off in the 58th minute. Another Lampard corner, high and teasing, was met by the head of the troublesome Alex and when David Wheater's clearance fell to Kalou, he responded with a marvellous right-foot volley. Chelsea had chances to add to their tally, the best when Anelka broke on the right before crossing for Lampard who sliced wide. Before the end, Turnbull parried a Lampard free-kick but Kalou, with Anelka unmarked in front of an open goal, slipped and miskicked wide. But Kalou ended the night in positive fashion, scoring his and Chelsea's second goal – and eighth of the season – with a simple header, from a Lampard corner, with nine minutes remaining. He may, though, have to face questions from the FA after appearing to celebrate with a 'handcuff'-style' celebration. But Middlesbrough have greater cause for concern. Southgate said: 'It was a big let down to lose. For all their quality we lose to two set-pieces and that is unforgivable because that is people not doing their jobs.'

Source: Telegraph