Fernando Torres returned to top form and scored two stunning first half goals to earn Liverpool a 2-0 victory over Champions Chelsea, in what was Liverpool's biggest triumph of the season.
In front of a passionate and noisy Anfield the injury prone Spaniard put in his best display of the season to rip apart the visitors defence and provide Reds supporters with a moment to remember from an instantly forgettable start to the season.
Dirk Kuyt returned to the starting line-up following time on the treatment table and started just behind Torres up front. The Dutchman's hard work and link up play with the Spaniard proved invaluable throughout the 90 minutes.
Hodgson boldly selected youngster Martin Kelly at right back with Johnson and Kyrgiakos out due to injury and illness respectively. The local lad repaid the manager's faith in him though as he performed competently defensively while also marauding forward when appropriate.
Liverpool's 12th man was on top form once again as the Anfield crowd created an intimidating atmosphere for the away side. As is typical in these big clashes between the top teams, the start was cagey with neither side claiming control of proceedings until the 11th minute, when Liverpool superbly took the lead.
Kuyt dropped deep to receive a pass from centre back Martin Skrtel before splitting the Chelsea defence with a lovely ball to put Torres through on Petr Cech's goal. Cole and Terry desperately raced back in an attempt to recover, however Torres made no mistake as he dinked the ball over Cech and into the net.
It was a fantastic team goal from the Merseysiders that seemed to instantly change Torres' fortunes. After a season of under-performing as a result of injuries robbing him of any trace of confidence, one top quality goal in a massive match immediately revived the Torres of old.
Only moments later Torres displayed this confidence as he received the ball in the middle of the park from Konchesky before turning purposefully and speeding towards the Chelsea goal.
Unfortunately he dragged his shot wide of the upright from 20 yards out, but the renewed desire to aim for goal at every given opportunity shown by Torres demonstrated his sudden change in form.
Chelsea tried to respond soon after however Reina was alert to comfortably stop Kalou's tame far post header after England left back Ashley Cole had delivered a fine cross from the left wing.
It turned out to be the only half-chance created throughout the first 45 minutes by Carlo Ancelotti's side as their Italian manager was made to rue his decision to leave star striker Didier Drogba on the substitutes bench.
After that Kelly's floated cross created the next chance as Maxi volleyed over after Fernando Torres had flicked the ball into the Argentinean’s path. Kelly was also central to our next sight of goal when he confidently cut inside before firing a threatening shot goalwards.
John Terry's foot denied the home side as Chelsea had a fortunate escape for the second time in five minutes. Only moments earlier Zhirkov had clearly handled the ball in the penalty area. Although the ball was coming at the Russian quickly Liverpool still had a good shout for a spot kick.
Liverpool had completely dominated the first half and created numerous chances to double their lead. Thankfully, Fernando Torres took one of those chances on the stroke of half time to put the Reds firmly in control.
The combative Raul Meireles stole possession from Cole in a crucial position in the centre of the pitch. The Portugal international then spread play out to the left hand side where Torres excellently cut onto his right foot before magnificently curling the ball past the stunned Cech.
It was an unbelievably good goal from Torres. The technique used to expertly guide the ball past the keeper was simply stunning. It was an exquisite reminder of the world-class ability possessed by the 26-year old.
Liverpool had produced their best first half performance of the season, becoming the first team to score two goals against Chelsea in the Premier League this season. Although many other factors obviously influenced the pattern of the first period, the defining element was the team selection.
For once, Hodgson got it right as he bravely picked Kuyt despite of the World Cup finalist's recent time on the treatment table. Conversely, Ancelotti must have regretted his choice to leave Didier Drogba on the bench as, while Kuyt provided excellent support for Torres up front Drogba was left to shiver in the cold of the Anfield dugout.
This meant Liverpool posed a potent attacking threat whilst Chelsea scarcely threatened at all. To remedy this Ancelotti sent on Drogba at the start of the second period, and it had remarkable results as Chelsea proved the accuracy of the belief that football is a "game of two halves."
Despite this, Liverpool created the first opportunity of the second half when Cech did well to hold Maxi's firm strike from distance. Chelsea controlled the ball throughout the rest of the half however they failed to frighten the Liverpool defence until the hour mark, when the away side had three good chances in quick succession.
First, Drogba dragged a free kick wide of goal after Martin Skrtel had fouled the Ivorian, before Ramires squandered a good chance as the Brazilian headed Cole's cross over the bar when he was free in the area. After that, Zhirkov charged forward down the left hand side and struck the ball left footed towards the near post.
Thankfully, Reina managed to get a hand to it and divert the danger behind the goal. The visitors continued to pour forward though and went close again on 66 minutes as Reina made a simply sensational save to uphold Liverpool's two-goal lead.
Drogba's right wing cross found Malouda in space in the six-yard box, where the French international stabbed the ball goalwards. It seemed certain to make the net bulge, but Reina made a world-class save from point-blank range to deny the Londoners.
Liverpool's defence had had to deal with relentless pressure from Chelsea, however Hodgson's well-drilled unit had been successful in keeping the opposition out so far.
The attack managed to relieve some of that pressure though with less than 20 minutes left when Maxi tested Cech once again with a volley from range before Torres' incredibly ambitious effort was deflected behind for a corner kick.
The set piece came out to Meireles, who's shot was deflected in the direction of Kuyt. The industrious Kuyt took a touch before firing a shot goalwards and forcing Cech to make a good save with his feet to keep his side in the contest.
Time was running out for the visitors, but they had one final fantastic chance to get back into the match with only four minutes remaining. Anelka's shot screamed under Reina and bounced off the cross bar.
Carragher and Drogba fought for the rebound and thankfully Carra superbly won the ball to clear the danger and effectively seal the three points for the Reds.
I wrote this about the Chelsea match after last weekend's victory at the Reebok Stadium:
"Both the grit displayed against Bolton and the flair shown versus Blackburn will be needed if we are to take anything from that clash."
Liverpool fulfilled this statement perfectly. The first half display was full of verve and attacking purpose and creative football, with two fantastic Fernando Torres goals securing a vital lead to take into the second period.
The second half characterised the grit and determination and desire to win that is such a fundamental aspect of The Liverpool Way, which every Liverpool side intends to adhere to.
It was by far the best victory of the season and a pleasure to watch. Lucas and Gerrard controlled the midfield, Kelly impressed when thrown in at the deep end and Kuyt was tremendous on his return from injury. For the first time this season I cannot honestly say that any player's performance disappointed me.
However it will count for little unless we pick up points again on Wednesday when we travel to the DW Stadium to face Wigan Athletic. We then face a trip to Stoke where Tony Pulis' side will provide formidable opposition at the atmospheric Britannia Stadium.
No less than four points out of six are required if we are to extend our run of good form and continue to climb the tight Premier League table.
If they aren't secured then this win will be but a distant memory.
YNWA
(Thanks to Sam Davies from Red and Proud's Facebook page for providing the title of this piece.)
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