Liverpool Helpless As Loss Diminishes Titile Hopes

Who else but Mourinho, would be the one to end Liverpool's eleven game winning streak? It just had to be him. Liverpool were in red hot form, and even a Chelsea side without their best lineup, stole the points away. Now the title is in the hands Manchester City, who have the edge on goal difference.

This was a tactical battle won by Mourinho. There was simply nothing the Reds could do to break down Chelsea's defense. Every player in blue was behind the ball, which not only made it difficult, but frustrated the Reds as well. Liverpool searched and searched, and even the introduction of Sturridge, who was not himself likely because of his recent injury, was not enough. 

Had Chelsea deserved their lead? No. They were not threatening to score, and their goal game off of a Gerrard slip. Had Chelsea deserved their clean sheet? Yes, but the measures in which they took to quell Liverpool's attack were extreme. They virtually needed at least nine, excluding their keeper, in the box at all times. 

Chelsea were not playing to score, Liverpool were. But at half time it was the blues who led. Liverpool became more and more desperate as the clock ticked, but were simply unable to find a way through. And in the final moments of the match, Chelsea broke on the counter attack and Willian had a tap in. 

There were things that Liverpool could have certainly done better. Liverpool should have used the wings much, much more. The few times that they did, they came closest to scoring. An example of this is when Sterling played a small cross to Gerrard, who could not find the back of the net. But, it was the closest Liverpool had come to scoring. The skill of Sterling, Suarez, and Coutinho, would have caused problems for Chelsea, had it been utilized out wide, instead of right into Chelsea's defensive setup. 

For the moment, Liverpool are still in first. Manchester City have to win their games in hand, but their draw (and near loss) to Sunderland, who than were at the bottom, show that it is unwise to simply assume that City will win. As a matter of fact, the 2012 champions still have a trip to Everton, who have enjoyed visits from top teams this season. Liverpool should certainly hope for their crosstown rivals to pick up points from that match. The match comes at a perfect time as well, a day before Liverpool face Crystal Palace. Should City drop points, it should be a mental boost for Liverpool, who know that they will have the chance to cement their place at the top of the table.   Don't take anything for granted, but Everton are the most likely, out of the others City face, to take points off of them. Everything is not said and done just yet.