Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea

[Shivek]

Chelsea survived two penalty appeals as Liverpool shaded the Champions League group G clash at Anfield.

Referee Massimo De Santis rejected their claims for a first-half spot-kick when Sami Hyypia was clearly fouled by Didier Drogba and did the same after the break when William Gallas handled a header from Jamie Carragher.

Liverpool dominated the game, especially in the second half, but like so many other teams this season they were unable to break down Chelsea's mean-spirited defence and both sides settled for a a share of the spoils ahead of their Premiership meeting on Merseyside this Sunday.

Much of the pre-match hype had been about Chelsea's eagerness to exact revenge for last season's semi-final defeat in this competition.

But Liverpool, inspired by Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso, showed drive and composure to end Chelsea's 100% record this season.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez restored Steve Finnan, Luis Garcia, Djibril Cisse and Djimi Traore to his line-up, leaving Josemi, Stephen Warnock, Bolo Zenden and Florent Sinama-Pongolle on the substitutes' bench.

Jose Mourinho replaced Hernan Crespo with Didier Drogba as his only change from the side that beat Aston Villa at the weekend, and the Premiership champions started pinged the ball around with ease in the early stages.

Alonso was booked for grabbing Michael Essien and Frank Lampard blasted the free-kick wide from 20 yards with Liverpool barely able to get out of their half at this point.

But they grew in confidence and Lampard should have been booked for a foul on Gerrard as the game ignited.

Gerrard, who almost moved to Chelsea despite leading Liverpool to glory in last season's final in Istanbul, had the best chance of the opening half when he fired over from the edge of the box after good work by Traore. The Liverpool skipper had more time than he realised.

By now the tackles were flying in and worries about having an Italian referee in charge of a very English occasion became evident. He missed some incidents, got others wrong and managed to upset both benches.

Claude Makelele was booked for another foul on Gerrard as Liverpool pushed forward in support of Peter Crouch. A string of corners failed to rattle a superbly defiant Chelsea defence and the Londoners started to take a measure of control.

When Chelsea were beaten in last season's semi-final second leg at Anfield, they were denied the width of Arjen Robben and Damien Duff.

But not this time. Both found space to terrify Liverpool with their pace and although Alonso coolly halted a Robben run with a fine tackle and then a dummy before clearing, the danger of the Dutchman was obvious seconds later when he left Sami Hyypia floundering and produced the best save of the first half when Jose Reina tipped over a rising drive.

The intensity continued after the break; Luis Garcia claimed he was hauled back by Paulo Ferreira as he raced into the box onto a Crouch flick, while the muscular presence of Essien continued to drive Chelsea forward, with Drogba heading over from six yards.

Then Jamie Carragher's header looked to strike Gallas on the arm but Liverpool were refused what looked like an excellent shout for a penalty.

De Santis did not improve and he missed John Terry's body check on Gerrard but booked Robben for dissent. Lampard was next to be cautioned for flattening Cisse.

Liverpool were at Chelsea's throats now, but still could not make the breakthrough.

Shaun Wright-Phillips replaced Robben just after the hour mark as the visitors sought to relieve some of the pressure.

A mix-up between Carragher and Hyypia almost let in Duff, but Reina produced a desperate save. Hernan Crespo soon replaced the Irish winger and, for the home side, Cisse was replaced by Florent Sinama-Pongolle.

By now it was anybody's game. Chelsea had all their attacking options on the pitch and Liverpool continued to strive for the goal their second-half display deserved.

Terry was booked for a foul on Alonso with a minute left and defender Robert Huth replaced Drogba, but Chelsea hung on for a draw.

• Benitez slams referee

Rafael Benitez described as 'unbelievable the decision not to award his side a second half penalty in their Champions League clash with Chelsea.

The crucial moment came when William Gallas looked to handle a Jamie Carragher header as Liverpool laid siege to the Chelsea goal in what was eventually a 0-0 draw in their Group G meeting.

Liverpool manager Benitez also claimed there was another potential spot-kick when Luis Garcia was tugged back by Paulo Ferreira.

For Liverpool it brought back memories of an incident in the league match between the clubs at Anfield last season when Tiago got away with another handball in the Chelsea box.

Benitez dismissed Chelsea's long-running claims that Luis Garcia's match-winner in the semi-finals of the competition last season was not over the line, saying: 'In this game we did not have the linesman. It could have been a penalty and a red card, sometimes people forget these details.

'And as for this occasion, I have seen it on TV, it was clear, unbelievable. The key is that when you play against big teams the small details are crucial. But that was a very big detail.

Carragher was also highly critical after the game of the decision not to award Liverpool that penalty.

Benitez said: 'I felt it was a good game, we played with a high tempo and tried to win. I am pleased with a point against a good team like Chelsea, but we really lost two points because we played better than them.

'It is good we now have four points, but maybe it should be six. I think we showed the audience we could play well, it was important for us that we showed we could play well in big games like this.

'There was one, maybe two, penalties we should have had. The most important thing was that we showed that in one game we can be better than Chelsea, and I felt we were just that.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insisted he was not happy with the draw, saying: 'I am not 100% satisfied, more disappointed. I am not crazy with happiness nor am I sick either.

'An away point in Champions League is a positive result and I do not think anyone deserved to win, a draw is a fair result.

'It was competitive and the result was very close.

'But there was no space to play in midfield, there was a lot of power there, (Steven) Gerrard, (Dietmar) Hamann and (Xabi) Alonso. And we had (Frank) Lampard, (Claude) Makelele and (Michael) Essien so we had power too. There was no space to create situations.

And, with Chelsea criticised this season for their long ball game, Mourinho attempted to shift the spotlight onto Benitez's side who again employed Peter Crouch as a target man.

He said: 'We played 4-3-3, like we do always, in the last 30 minutes we played (Hernan) Crespo and (Didier) Drogba together to make use of Drogba's dominance, because he played very well. It could have given us three points.

'A good game? It depends on your criteria, what you love in football. Everyone has a choice.

'They use Crouch, some people like him some don't like him. Some people criticise direct play and others love it.

'But we don't have to like or dislike, we have to cope with it. Terry and Carvalho coped very well with it. Liverpool didn't create much danger playing their style.

Either Chelsea are too lucky or they bribe. ######ing cheaters.

[TheAceFace]

It was a very good contest.

Defo Liverpool should have had at least one penalty. Should be a very good game again on Sunday.

Come on the REDS.

[Shivek]

It was a very good contest.

Defo Liverpool should have had at least one penalty. Should be a very good game again on Sunday.

Come on the REDS.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah, i hope Pool demolish Chelscums on Sunday.

[lampard10]

Either Chelsea are too lucky or they bribe. ######ing cheaters.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why.....................................last year they had a GOAL given against them, which was certainly not sure it was a goal. This year they survived two penalty appeals, which even I say one look like a penalty. PENALTY appeals, not GOALS. You've still got to convert. Penaltys can be missed. Goals given by linesmen that can't see can't be missed. It's a goal, whichever way you look at it.

I thought it was a very even game, not at all like the newspaper report that you used Shivneck. Why don't you watch a match and submit your own report. And if you did see the match, shame on you for using someone elses words. Cech did not have a real save to make all match,while at the other end only a very smart piece of keeping followed by a brilliant save kept Robben out. Write as you see it Shivneck not as you want to see it.

[Fast Eddie]

There can be little doubt that Liverpool shaded it and were denied two penalties. Chelsea were fortunate to come away with a point. As for Mourinho saying the following 'to make use of Drogba's dominance, because he played very well', he surely can't have been watching the same totally inept performance that i was. There were a few players who have cost well over the odds on the pitch last night, but he is far and away the worst £24 million player i have ever seen. Liverpool will be hoping he starts again on Sunday, he couldn't trap a bag of cement.

[ProfessorFart]

A good contest!?!?!?!?! Are you for real!? It was the dullest game of football I think I've ever seen. A disgraceful showing coming from the champs of Europe and the Champs of England. All it showed was that Liverpool are so short of decent players that they palyed on the back foot all night and that Chelsea are a strong squad but a pretty ordinairy football team. The only people who seem to think it was a good game are Scousers and Chelsea fans. The rest of the country were bored into a stupour.

[Sarpedon]

Thankfully i didnt watch it if it was that dull...i doubt i will even watch the game on Sunday. The only game that holds any interest for me is Spurs vs Charlton.

Come on you SPURS!!

[chonabot]

Thankfully i didnt watch it if it was that dull...i doubt i will even watch the game on Sunday. The only game that holds any interest for me is Spurs vs Charlton.

Come on you SPURS!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Come on the Yids..!!!!!!!!!!!

( Not literally of course.......)

[Pie Boy]

Thankfully i didnt watch it if it was that dull...i doubt i will even watch the game on Sunday. The only game that holds any interest for me is Spurs vs Charlton.

Come on you SPURS!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Come on the Yids..!!!!!!!!!!!

( Not literally of course.......)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Chon are you ready to explain this one to Shivek?

[Shivek]

Lampscum10, what do u mean by using someone else's words? What words did i use were someone else's? And i think shame on u for not accepting that Pool deserved a win. And for ur info, i watched the match and next time i would give my own report so some people dont start shouting for no reason. And i didnt write anything which i wanna see, i just wrote what should've happened. And Lampscum10, i got this news from soccernet.com, so if u have any probs go shout at their forum.

[COBBER]

Either Chelsea are too lucky or they bribe. ######ing cheaters.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why.....................................last year they had a GOAL given against them, which was certainly not sure it was a goal. This year they survived two penalty appeals, which even I say one look like a penalty. PENALTY appeals, not GOALS. You've still got to convert. Penaltys can be missed. Goals given by linesmen that can't see can't be missed. It's a goal, whichever way you look at it.

I thought it was a very even game, not at all like the newspaper report that you used Shivneck. Why don't you watch a match and submit your own report. And if you did see the match, shame on you for using someone elses words. Cech did not have a real save to make all match,while at the other end only a very smart piece of keeping followed by a brilliant save kept Robben out. Write as you see it Shivneck not as you want to see it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Oh Dear. Lampard suggesting someone is posting dribble ?

[Shivek]

Thankfully i didnt watch it if it was that dull...i doubt i will even watch the game on Sunday. The only game that holds any interest for me is Spurs vs Charlton.

Come on you SPURS!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Come on the Yids..!!!!!!!!!!!

( Not literally of course.......)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Chon are you ready to explain this one to Shivek?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I already know Pie Boy. Be at rest.

[lampard10]

Lampscum10, what do u mean by using someone else's words? What words did i use were someone else's?

i got this news from soccernet.com, so if u have any probs go shout at their forum.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So the first half of your posting you say you wrote it, and in the second half you say you didn't.

I see. Game of two halves is it?

[Shivek]

Lampscum10, what do u mean by using someone else's words? What words did i use were someone else's?

i got this news from soccernet.com, so if u have any probs go shout at their forum.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So the first half of your posting you say you wrote it, and in the second half you say you didn't.

I see. Game of two halves is it?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I meant that when u r telling about a game, u share the article so that readers believe you. Does does means copying someone's words? I dont think so, because i have always done this and at another forum baord people do it. But if u want, i can write it by myself next time.

[lampard10]

Lampscum10, what do u mean by using someone else's words? What words did i use were someone else's?

i got this news from soccernet.com, so if u have any probs go shout at their forum.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So the first half of your posting you say you wrote it, and in the second half you say you didn't.

I see. Game of two halves is it?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I meant that when u r telling about a game, u share the article so that readers believe you. Does does means copying someone's words? I dont think so, because i have always done this and at another forum baord people do it. But if u want, i can write it by myself next time.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think I've got it sussed Shivek. You're Thai aren't you. That is why all your posts are quotes, and things like when I questioned who was home and who was away, you said it didn't matter, and got all annoyed. Plus the fact that your sig a few weeks ago was ' Chelski headhunters' made me think you didn't know what that meant. Afew other thing make me think that you only know what you read about. I hold my hands up if I'm wrong, but I don't think so. Another thing what makes me think that, is your complete lack of sense of humour, and misunderstanding of jokes. Nothing to be ashamed of old mate. My wife's the same.

[Shivek]

Lampscum10, what do u mean by using someone else's words? What words did i use were someone else's?

i got this news from soccernet.com, so if u have any probs go shout at their forum.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So the first half of your posting you say you wrote it, and in the second half you say you didn't.

I see. Game of two halves is it?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I meant that when u r telling about a game, u share the article so that readers believe you. Does does means copying someone's words? I dont think so, because i have always done this and at another forum baord people do it. But if u want, i can write it by myself next time.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think I've got it sussed Shivek. You're Thai aren't you. That is why all your posts are quotes, and things like when I questioned who was home and who was away, you said it didn't matter, and got all annoyed. Plus the fact that your sig a few weeks ago was ' Chelski headhunters' made me think you didn't know what that meant. Afew other thing make me think that you only know what you read about. I hold my hands up if I'm wrong, but I don't think so. Another thing what makes me think that, is your complete lack of sense of humour, and misunderstanding of jokes. Nothing to be ashamed of old mate. My wife's the same.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Man, i dont like some of your humour coz it doesnt make me laugh but makes me annoyed and i always try to not talk or make prob with u. And secondly i'm not Thai. You like to really annoy someone until he doesnt know what he is writing. U dont like most of my posts so i think from today onwards i'm gonna stop posting here. But i actually knew u were joking, i know u very well dude. And i didnt have any sig written Chelsea headhunters, in fact i still dont have any sig coz i dont wanna have. So u must be drunk at the time u saw it. Dude, lets finish the topic here and i apologise for things i've said which u didnt like. I'm leaving.

Goodbye.

[Pie Boy]

Come back Shive, I like you.Don't worry about Lamps he's just missin' his mate Siam Supershiv.

[lampard10]

U dont like most of my posts so i think from today onwards i'm gonna stop posting here. But i actually knew u were joking, i know u very well dude.

Goodbye.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have nothing against your posts. In fact I think they are informative, because you always post the latest press releases on football related stories. If I have anything against, then it's the childish " Chelsea Scum", which, for a guy that practically runs the football forum, and wants to be looked up to is out of order.

Also I have asked you where you are from on three or four occaisions and you have ducked the issue every time. Why? And when I said sig, I meant info, like you have 'gunners 4 ever' now. And by the way I don't drink. It's funny that what Pie Boy said, cause you do have supermouths habit of putting U, instead of you.Maybe we can have some good sparring bouts on the forum as well.

[HarryHacker]

Thankfully i didnt watch it if it was that dull...i doubt i will even watch the game on Sunday. The only game that holds any interest for me is Spurs vs Charlton.

Come on you SPURS!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Come on the Yids..!!!!!!!!!!!

( Not literally of course.......)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

....R U serious? The Spuds stand little chance.

[lampard10]

Thankfully i didnt watch it if it was that dull...i doubt i will even watch the game on Sunday. The only game that holds any interest for me is Spurs vs Charlton.

Come on you SPURS!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Come on the Yids..!!!!!!!!!!!

( Not literally of course.......)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

....R U serious? The Spuds stand little chance.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Which ones you 'arry?

[HarryHacker]

Thankfully i didnt watch it if it was that dull...i doubt i will even watch the game on Sunday. The only game that holds any interest for me is Spurs vs Charlton.

Come on you SPURS!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Come on the Yids..!!!!!!!!!!!

( Not literally of course.......)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

....R U serious? The Spuds stand little chance.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Which ones you 'arry?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

…….unfortunately, I have not been to The Valley for 5 years! That snap was taken a few weeks ago and sent to me by some pals who drink at the Rose!

I’m missing the good times for sure this season!

[Shivek]

U dont like most of my posts so i think from today onwards i'm gonna stop posting here. But i actually knew u were joking, i know u very well dude.

Goodbye.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have nothing against your posts. In fact I think they are informative, because you always post the latest press releases on football related stories. If I have anything against, then it's the childish " Chelsea Scum", which, for a guy that practically runs the football forum, and wants to be looked up to is out of order.

Also I have asked you where you are from on three or four occaisions and you have ducked the issue every time. Why? And when I said sig, I meant info, like you have 'gunners 4 ever' now. And by the way I don't drink. It's funny that what Pie Boy said, cause you do have supermouths habit of putting U, instead of you.Maybe we can have some good sparring bouts on the forum as well.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Whats wrong in putting "U" instead of you? I think you are against everything i do and i say. Ok, i'll call them Chelsea. I got a bit angry that day so i wrote Chelscum. Sorry for that. And i've never ducked it, i'm from Malaysia. I think we can stop our arguement and be friends, cant we? But i suppose you're from UK and you're 40 yrs old right?

[lampard10]

U

Whats wrong in putting "U" instead of you? I think you are against everything i do and i say. Ok, i'll call them Chelsea. I got a bit angry that day so i wrote Chelscum. Sorry for that. And i've never ducked it, i'm from Malaysia. I think we can stop our arguement and be friends, cant we? But i suppose you're from UK and you're 40 yrs old right?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Actually, I'm 58, big, fat and 'orrible. And I guessed you was from Malaysia anyway. But we've never had an argument. I don't argue with people. Wind them up; yes. Look at my signature

[Shivek]

U

Whats wrong in putting "U" instead of you? I think you are against everything i do and i say. Ok, i'll call them Chelsea. I got a bit angry that day so i wrote Chelscum. Sorry for that. And i've never ducked it, i'm from Malaysia. I think we can stop our arguement and be friends, cant we? But i suppose you're from UK and you're 40 yrs old right?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Actually, I'm 58, big, fat and 'orrible. And I guessed you was from Malaysia anyway. But we've never had an argument. I don't argue with people. Wind them up; yes. Look at my signature

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How did ya guess i was from Malaysia?

[lampard10]

[How did ya guess i was from Malaysia?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Because a Thai would never have known so much about football, and no-one in the main football nations would have said " What's the difference which name goes first" All over Europe and South America, a teams home is it's fortress. When you think back the years to 'Anfield', 'St James Park', Highbury', 'Elland Road' teams could just not go to these places and win. At least not twice. I discounted Africa,Japan, Korea as places that do not visit Thai Visa. That left only Malaysia and Singapore, and as I am one of the old firm, to me Malaysia and Singapore are much the same. Which part of Malaysia are you from?

[Shivek]

[How did ya guess i was from Malaysia?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Because a Thai would never have known so much about football, and no-one in the main football nations would have said " What's the difference which name goes first" All over Europe and South America, a teams home is it's fortress. When you think back the years to 'Anfield', 'St James Park', Highbury', 'Elland Road' teams could just not go to these places and win. At least not twice. I discounted Africa,Japan, Korea as places that do not visit Thai Visa. That left only Malaysia and Singapore, and as I am one of the old firm, to me Malaysia and Singapore are much the same. Which part of Malaysia are you from?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm from KL but livin in BKK. And Thais also know a lot of football dude. Dont understimate them. And i usually dont pay much attention in writing names in order. I usually just write according to my way but since that day when u said about home and way, u would have noticed that i'm writing according to the order.

[Shivek]

And you're already an old man. (No offense meant). Why do u like to wind up people?

[lampard10]

And you're already an old man. (No offense meant). Why do u like to wind up people?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That is an English way of life. Although saying that, I had a mate called Paul from Malaysia that used to wind me up something chronic

Edited October 1, 2005 by lampard10

[Pie Boy]

Lamps and Shivek - the new Saint & Greavsie?

[ProfessorFart]

Is that 58 stone Lampshade?