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| Henderson celebrates... |
Chelsea manager di Matteo started a changed side due to the fact his team face Bayern Munich in a few days time for the Champions League final. The Londoners could have been fighting for 4th spot in the league if they'd have won this fixture but obviously they decided the final was more important. Liverpool went with Carroll and Suarez up front and missing were Gerrard and Enrique who had minor injuries.
Liverpool started the game in a completely opposite fashion in comparison to their start at Wembley. The Reds clearly had a point to prove and fair enough, Chelsea had a weakened side but it still didn't excuse their defending.
Liverpool's first goal came just before the 20 minute mark. Suarez on a mazy run from a tight angle left the Chelsea defence for dead. With no Red shirts really imposing on the penalty area Suarez put the ball in anyway and a little bit of luck for Liverpool meant Essien bumbled the ball into his own net.
It's about time things went for Liverpool instead of against them and this first goal appeared to pave the way for a bit of a rout.
Liverpool's second was scored just after 5 minutes later by a somewhat unlikely scorer - Jordan Henderson. I'd spent the hour before hand chatting to people on Twitter about how I felt Henderson had started too many games so it was just typical he'd score. Out of himself, Downing and Adam, Henderson as I've stood by is the one worth keeping and working with and he's pulled out some top performances (especially last night) I just feel this season others deserved more starts too. Anyways, onto the goal!
A John Terry slip allowed Henderson through and with a superb finish he put the ball round Chelsea keeper Turnbull and into the back of the net. It was great to see Jordan score, he deserved it on his effort this season.
Maxi Rodriguez provided the assist for the Henderson goal and after the number 11 waved goodbye as he was subbed later in the game it was clear that he'll be off at the end of the season. I've always been a big supporter of Maxi and will be sad to see him go, I just think he deserved way more starts than he got and was a top bloke.
Liverpool were on a roll and only took another 3 minutes to find their third goal. This time it was Daniel Agger who got himself on the score sheet. A Shelvey corner was headed back across goal by Andy Carroll, Daniel Agger then made sure he headed home for the Reds.
Andy Carroll had another fantastic game and I have been extremely impressed with him of late. His attitude is ten times better now and it's made all the difference to his game. Chasing down lost balls and even trying a bicycle kick, it's brilliant to see!
Liverpool ended the first half on a bit of a low note with Stewart Downing missing a penalty. Carroll was brought down in the box by Ivanovic but Downing hit the post with his spot kick.
Fernando Torres was subjected to boos every time he touched the ball but he nearly hushed the Anfield crowd with a fizzing effort from a tight angle that smashed off the bar.
Ramires popped up early in the second half to score past Pepe Reina once again this week. It was a pretty lucky goal for Chelsea though as Ramires didn't seem to know much about the ball hitting him. Reina was visibly frustrated at conceding.
At the hour mark a pretty shambolic Chelsea made yet another mistake. The keeper Turnbull redistributed the ball straight to Jonjo Shelvey in the middle of the park. Shelvey then took full advantage and with a sweet shot put the ball straight into the back of the net. Another player you wouldn't have expected to see score last night but once again it was fabulous to see!
At 80 minutes a rather moving moment as Maxi was replaced with Kuyt. Both players could quite easily be off this summer but it was clear from Maxi's wave goodbye that he would be leaving.
Raheem Sterling also came on in the dying minutes and with almost his first touch of the ball put Chelsea under pressure with a shot.
At the final whistle the lads prepared to thank the fans and there were kids, babies and wives everywhere. It was a lovely sight and despite a poor season it was great to end on such a high. Here's hoping things change for Liverpool next season and we have a productive transfer window. With Swansea as our last game left, we still have that incentive of finishing above Everton to aim for haha.