CL Chel 3 – 2 Liv
In the run up to the game I had to give Liverpool the edge, they seemed more likely to score in the first leg and away goals are rather valuable. A Chelsea win would be interesting, just for Avram Grant. A man who has been near vilified just for being in the job. To see him manage this team to achieve more than that twunt Mourinho would be hugely satisfying. The first leg had been so much better than their previous encounters in the competition and I was hoping for more of the same.
As it was the state of the weather and the pitch really screamed for covered grounds and I was really concerned that the result was going to be affected by the conditions. Slick, fast and sometimes unpredictable was the pitch. If people complain about the lack of predictability and consistency of officials, why add another element of luck? Even though the result of the game wasn’t obviously affected by the conditions, the tackling was often a fairly haphazard affair due to the pitch. It could have been a disaster however. As it wasn’t maybe rain conditions should be simulated for every game?
As for the result, Liverpools run against Chelsea in the competition ended due to the common complaint, the inability to score. Overall it was a good game, patchy and scrappy but had some good moments and in the end the better team won. Despite Peter Cech being the most damaged keeper in the CL, he showed he is the best. If Drogba wants to know why his diving attracts so much scorn, have a look at the replay of his first goal. An absolute cannon ball of a shot, but apparently he doesn’t have the strength to remain on his feet after what seems like 70% of tackles…yeah right.
The Sky commentary was fairly poor. Andy Grey, apparently “Britains best football pundit”, voted by his mates maybe. I quote, “I told you it wasnt’ finished” after Liverpool scored their first. No, its not over until the ref blows the final whistle and enough goals or penalties have been scored. I could relate more inanities but I can’t be bothered and the sooner hes replaced the better.
Most of the game in normal time was much the same as the first leg, a good game overall with a few more chances all round.
Extra time was where the real tension began with an Essien goal being disallowed, not an extraordinary decision Mr Grey as Drogba was offside and right in front of the keeper, its called interfering with play. Not to mention the other 2 Chelsea players also offside. Also, offside should be offside, lazy players should get their arses back on side ASAP, not mince around waiting for a chance.
Despite the Chelseas goal being disallowed they got a penalty a minute later and it was comfortably converted by Lampard. Now I know his mum died this week, but was it necessary for J. Rednapp to verbally fellate his cousin on TV telling us how strong he was etc. etc. ad nauseum. I appreciate Lampard was playing under some emotional stress but I don’t need to have a relative tell me how fucking great he is. Hes a professional footballer and he is employed by a professional club, if he can’t hack it he shouldn’t be on the pitch. He was playing so therefore he didn’t actually do anything other than his job and have a moment he can dedicate to his mum. Nice for him, but not a gargantuan moment in human history that it was made out to be thanks. Not to mention where does little Rednapp get off shouting down Hoddle and Souness in the studio? Granted they are failed managers but they talk a hell of a lot more sense that he does. Richard Keys should have kept him under control, him being the junior, less experienced, non managerial and frankly moronic pundit. Is Keys a family member too? Or just a member?
Regardless of my whinges of the coverage, Chelsea are through. Poor old Avram, despite his genuflection at the result, still will get no credit as he gives the impression of not being involved when the game is on. It is about style and what you can show, and he doesn’t show very much at all. I didn’t and don’t want Chelsea to be in the final, I think they are a classless arrogant bunch, a rich mans plaything and generally are bad for football. Still, I’m having a good laugh at the special one right now.