Predatory Chelsea pick off Liverpool
Sunday, February 5, 2006
Article summary
Chelsea FC's superior cutting edge told at Stamford Bridge as goals from William Gallas and Hernán Crespo handed them a 2-0 win against Liverpool FC.
Article body
Gallas finish
Despite enjoying the majority of possession, Liverpool failed to create clear-cut chances with Peter Crouch playing as a lone striker and new signing Robbie Fowler not in the squad. They were made to pay ten minutes before half-time when Ricardo Carvalho headed a Frank Lampard corner to the unmarked William Gallas, who hooked in his second goal of the season from close range.
Predatory instinct
While Mohamed Sissoko, Steven Gerrard and Harry Kewell all attempted shots from distance, Chelsea's Crespo displayed the predatory instinct their opponents lacked, placing a superb left-foot volley past Reina midway through the second half. The Argentinian might have had a hat-trick, but saw two more goals disallowed.
Reina dismissal
With ten minutes to go, Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek saw his first action since the UEFA Champions League final in May, coming on as a substitute after Reina was sent off following a clash with Arjen Robben. The win restores Chelsea's 15-point lead in the Premiership and takes them 21 points clear of Liverpool.
Defoe double
Two goals from Jermain Defoe enabled Tottenham Hotspur FC to consolidate fourth place with a 3-1 win against Charlton Athletic FC at White Hart Lane. Defoe scored a deflected effort on 14 minutes, while Jermaine Jenas powered a low shot past Thomas Myhre to double the lead before half-time. Defoe ended the match as a contest a minute after the break, before Jerome Thomas responded with a consolation goal for Charlton.
