Chelsea Fc Thread

[Seapok]

Alves not a done deal - Chelsea

Chelsea have confirmed they are interested in signing right-back Daniel Alves but say they have not reached an agreement with Sevilla.

The 24-year-old Brazilian was thought to be on the verge of a £24.5m move.

But a Blues statement said: "Chelsea have confirmed their interest in the player to the club but as yet there is no agreement."

Reports in Spain suggest the two clubs did come to an agreement on Tuesday but the deal has since suffered a hitch.

That could alert Real Madrid, who are also interested in Alves.

He has made no secret of his desire to leave Sevilla and has admitted that Chelsea is his preferred destination.

He was left out of Sevilla's squad for Wednesday's Champions League qualifier against AEK Athens, prompting speculation that he was close to completing a move.

If he had played in the game, it would have made him ineligible to play for another club in the competition.

Sevilla boss Juande Ramos appeared to have given up hope of holding on to the highly rated Alves, who played a prominent role as the Rojiblancos won back-to-back Uefa Cups.

"It's true that Daniel has an important role in this team, especially in our attacking play," he said.

"It's also true that two teams like Real Madrid and Chelsea are trying to acquire his services.

"We will try to overcome his absence with another player who will show the same ambition as him."

Right-back was a problematic area for Chelsea last season, with Paulo Ferreira, Geremi and Lassana Diarra filling the slot at various times.

[Seapok]

This game isn't on Sky Sports but extended highlights will be shown on Match of the Day on BBC1 @ 10.40pm

Reading v Chelsea

Reading striker Dave Kitson is suspended following his red card at Manchester United, Leroy Lita's hip injury continues to rule him out.

Midfielders Bobby Convey and Emerse Fae could be involved for the first time this season.

Chelsea have been boosted by the return of defender Paulo Ferreira, but Brazilian defender Alex is not fit after his official welcome to the club.

Boss Jose Mourinho will run a late check on Michael Essien (knee).

Reading: (from) Hahnemann, Federici, Murty, de la Cruz, Ingimarsson, Duberry, Bikey, Shorey, Seol, Oster, Gunnarsson, Harper, Cisse, Fae, Hunt, Convey, Doyle, Long, Cox.

Chelsea: (from) Cech, Cudicini, Diarra, A Cole, Carvalho, Alex, Ben Haim, Sidwell, Lampard, Mikel, Malouda, Drogba, J Cole, Wright-Phillips, Pizarro, Sinclair, Ferreira, Makelele, Essien.

BIG-MATCH FACTS

Reading are looking for a first ever Premier League victory over Chelsea.

Having held the champions Manchester United to a goalless draw at Old Trafford on Sunday, the Royals will now try to take points off the former champions.

While Reading's was the only fixture in the opening round of matches not to produce any goals, Chelsea's record-breaking home win over Birmingham was the highest scoring match with five (3-2).

Chelsea are hoping to extend their unbeaten Premier League sequence to 16 matches.

CLUB FORM

READING

Last season: 8th 55 points

1. The 40th different club to play Premier League football became the 23rd side in the 15 seasons of the league to have survived their first campaign after promotion.

2. They became the ninth of 15 clubs to have survived after being promoted as champions of the second tier.

3. Achieved the highest placing of a promoted club experiencing a first taste of Premier League soccer since Newcastle finished third in 1993-94.

4. One of eight clubs to have survived their rookie season in the Premier League after promotion; the others are Bradford City, Derby, Fulham, Newcastle, Portsmouth, West Ham and Wigan.

5. Picked up the fewest number of yellow cards in the Premier League last term (42), but were the only club to have a player sent off in the first round of Premier League matches this season.

CHELSEA

Last season: 2nd 83 points

1. Seven points short of becoming only the fifth club in history to be crowned champions of England on three consecutive seasons.

2. Two of their three all-time league titles came in the Premier League era (2004-05 and 2005-06). The first was 1954-55.

3. They are in an exclusive band of four clubs to have lifted the Premier League trophy; Manchester United (nine times), Arsenal (three), Chelsea (two) and Blackburn (one).

4. Completed the longest winning sequence of any club in the Premier League last season of nine matches and the longest unbeaten run of 14 games.

5. Kept an unequalled 22 Premier League clean sheets last term. In the three seasons and 115 league games under Mourinho, they have managed to keep the opposition at bay a staggering 67 times.

6. Not lost a Premier League match in seven months.

7. Unbeaten in 15 Premier League matches. Won 10 and drawn five since losing 2-0, away to Liverpool on 20 January - their only loss in 28 Premier League outings.

8. Not beaten in seven away league games. Won five and drawn two since the defeat at Anfield on 20 January.

9. Won five of their first six league games last term. The only match in that sequence in which they dropped points was the 2-1 defeat, away to Middlesbrough on 23 August 2006.

10. Won their first two fixtures of a Premier League campaign in three of the last four seasons.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

READING

Ins and Outs

Dave KITSON was the first player to be shown a red card in the 2007-08 Premier League season.

Leroy LITA was Reading's top scorer last season with 14 goals.

LITA needs to score one to total 50 career League goals (Bristol City and Reading).

Kevin DOYLE was the club's top Premier League marksman last term with 13.

Ivar INGIMARSSON was one of four outfield players to have been involved in every minute of every one of his clubs' Premier League matches last season. The others were Richard DUNNE (Manchester City), Phil Jagielka (Sheffield United, now Everton) and Yobo (Everton).

If he plays:-

INGIMARSSON will be making his 300th English League appearance (Brentford, Brighton and Reading).

Ulises DE LA CRUZ will be making his 100th career Premier League appearance (Aston Villa and Reading).

Michael DUBERRY will be making his 150th career Premier League appearance (Chelsea, Leeds and Reading).

CHELSEA

Ins and Outs

Didier DROGBA won the Barclays Golden Boot as the highest scorer in the Premier League last season. The Ivory Coast international netted 20 goals, and 33 in all competitions.

If he plays:-

Michael ESSIEN will be making his 100th appearance in a Chelsea shirt.

Steven SIDWELL will be facing a former club. The 24 year old midfielder made 187 appearances (168 in the league) and scored 30 goals (29 league) for Reading between January 2003 and his move to Stamford Bridge in May 2007.

HEAD TO HEAD

The first ever Premier League matches between these clubs last season resulted in an away win in this corresponding fixture, and a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea's two defeats in 10 League matches against Reading were in 1926 and 1930.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Reading 2 wins, Chelsea 4, Draws 4

Prem: Reading 0 wins, Chelsea 1, Draws 1

at Reading only

League (inc PL): Reading 2 wins, Chelsea 2, Draws 1

Prem: Reading 0 wins, Chelsea 1, Draws 0

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Reading 0-1 Chelsea

14 October 2006 - Ref:

Chelsea scorer: Ingimarsson 45 og

Sent Off: Bikey (Reading) 83, Obi (Chelsea) 62

REFEREE

Mike Dean (Wirral)

[Seapok]

Reading 1-2 Chelsea

Chelsea scored twice in three minutes to maintain their 100% record as goalkeeper Petr Cech endured an uncomfortable return to Reading.

Cech, who fractured his skull last season in the game at Reading, made an awful hash of a punch allowing Andre Bikey to put the home side ahead.

But Frank Lampard's run and shot early in the second half and Didier Drogba's superb shot put Chelsea 2-1 up.

Reading went down to 10 men when debutant Kalifa Cisse was red-carded.

On Sunday Steve Coppell had tactically outmanoeuvred Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford and the first-half saw the Reading manager outwit Jose Mourinho.

Reading produced a high-octane pressing game that allowed Chelsea no time to settle and Coppell's side were well worth their first-half lead, albeit with a helping hand from Cech.

This was the first time Chelsea's Czech Republic keeper had been back to the Madejski and his failure to punch the ball clear from Ivar Ingimarsson's header proved costly.

While Cech and a couple of Chelsea defenders were left in a heap, Bikey had the simplest of tasks in putting the ball in the net.

It was the first touch of the ball for Reading's Cameroonian defender, who seconds before had come on for the injured Michael Duberry.

Soon afterwards John Oster was unfortunate not to extend Reading's lead when his volley cannoned back off the post.

If Coppell emerged victorious from the first-half tactical battle, Mourinho showed he is no slouch when it comes to strategical thinking.

Never one to dally with substitutions the Chelsea manager used his two final substitutes - John Obi Mikel and Claudio Pizarro - at the start of the second half.

Steve Sidwell was one of the players withdrawn as the former Reading midfielder made an unhappy return to his former club.

Mourinho's reshuffle brought immediate results - within two minutes of the restart Lampard's marauding run into the Reading box gave him the space to slip the ball past Marcus Hahnemann.

Three minutes later Reading's American was beaten again - this time from long range - as he was left clutching thin air by Drogba's superb shot.

Those two goals knocked the wind out of Reading, who struggled to hurt Chelsea in the second half in the way they had done in the opening period.

Reading's hopes of salvaging anything from the game further receded when Cisse was sent off after collecting his second yellow card on 72 minutes.

Not that Chelsea did not emerge from this win without casualities, with Ricardo Carvalho going off injured in the opening half.

[ThaiPauly]

Congratulations.......your second half display was very good.

We should have had the game wrapped up by half time, but we didn't take the chances. In the second half you took yours.

The quality of your players came through ....its always gonna be tough for us to compete with the big boys, but we do our best.

[lazeeboy]

Congratulations.......your second half display was very good.

We should have had the game wrapped up by half time, but we didn't take the chances. In the second half you took yours.

The quality of your players came through ....its always gonna be tough for us to compete with the big boys, but we do our best.

great start for chelsea considering the injuries ,i can feel the season is going chelseas way already .........

[Seapok]

Congratulations.......your second half display was very good.

We should have had the game wrapped up by half time, but we didn't take the chances. In the second half you took yours.

The quality of your players came through ....its always gonna be tough for us to compete with the big boys, but we do our best.

great start for chelsea considering the injuries ,i can feel the season is going chelseas way already .........

I have to agree with you Lazeeboy, we've played more entertaining football in the 1st 2 games than we did the whole of last season (well maybe not quite, but you know what I mean). I think Cech was caught up in the emotion of the game to be totally concentrated as he is usually much more aware of his surrounds, just goes to show not everyone is perfect but he isn't far off!!

[Seapok]

Mourinho: Blues were brave

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho felt his side were rewarded for their bravery with all three points from their trip to Reading.

Second-half strikes from Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba made it two wins from two at the start of the new campaign.

The Blues had trailed 1-0 at half-time after substitute Andre Bikey had pounced on a rare mistake from Petr Cech to put the home side ahead.

Mourinho decided to throw caution to the wind during the break, taking off Steve Sidwell and Paulo Ferreira to put on John Obi Mikel and Claudio Pizarro.

The attacking move, which meant Shaun Wright-Phillips moved to right back and Glenn Johnson went to the centre of defence, paid off as two goals in a three-minute spell gave Chelsea victory.

"It is difficult to come to this stadium and win so I am very pleased with the result and the players," Mourinho said.

I think the players were brave and fought a lot. They were brave to accept some of the difficult situations.

"It was not easy for Shaun Wright-Phillips to play right-back or for Glen Johnson to play as a central defender.

"It was not easy for Tal Ben Haim after just two months at the club to find himself leading the defence.

"But I asked them at half-time if somebody was feeling a bit weak or feeling a bit of an injury. I wanted to make two changes and I wanted to finish with 11 men.

He added: "Making the changes was a big gamble but if one day it doesn't work - like at Newcastle in my first season - I am criticised. But I will sleep good because I tried."

[Seapok]

Jose confirms Alves bid

Jose Mourinho confirmed that he trying to conclude a deal for Sevilla's Daniel Alves.

The Brazilian full-back is eager to seal a switch to Chelsea, but as yet the two clubs have yet to agree terms.

Reports over the past week have stated that a deal has been thrashed out - but that is not yet the case.

However, Mourinho admits he does want to land the 24-year-old.

"We are trying to buy him but the situation is not done at this moment," said Mourinho.

"We will see what happens."

Sources in Spain have now suggested that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is refusing to meet Sevilla's asking price of 32 millions euros (£21million) - instead offering 25 million euros (£16million).

[lazeeboy]

Jose confirms Alves bid

Jose Mourinho confirmed that he trying to conclude a deal for Sevilla's Daniel Alves.

The Brazilian full-back is eager to seal a switch to Chelsea, but as yet the two clubs have yet to agree terms.

Reports over the past week have stated that a deal has been thrashed out - but that is not yet the case.

However, Mourinho admits he does want to land the 24-year-old.

"We are trying to buy him but the situation is not done at this moment," said Mourinho.

"We will see what happens."

Sources in Spain have now suggested that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is refusing to meet Sevilla's asking price of 32 millions euros (£21million) - instead offering 25 million euros (£16million).

pennies to him ,theres more to it than that im sure.

[Seapok]

Liverpool v Chelsea

Anfield

Sunday, 19 August

Kick-off: 1600 BST

Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is expected to have a pain-killing injection in order to play, after fracturing his toe.

Rafael Benitez is set to rotate his squad with Jermaine Pennant, Dirk Kuyt Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger returning.

Captain John Terry returns to the Chelsea squad for the trip to Anfield after knee ligament trouble.

Ricardo Carvalho misses out with a thigh problem and Arjen Robben, Michael Ballack and Wayne Bridge are all out.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise, Arbeloa, Pennant, Gerrard, Sissoko, Alonso, Mascherano, Babel, Benayoun, Hyypia, Crouch, Kuyt, Torres, Voronin, Itandje.

Chelsea: Cech, Cudicini, Ferreira, Diarra, Terry, Ben Haim, Johnson, A Cole, J Cole, Makelele, Lampard, Essien, Obi, Shevchenko, Kalou, Sidwell, Pizarro, Drogba, Wright-Phillips, Sinclair.

BIG-MATCH FACTS

Two of the so-called "big four" clash for the first time this season, and something must give. Both clubs have 100% records in the Premier League.

Liverpool opened with a 1-2 win at Aston Villa, and then were involved in a Champions League qualifier midweek; beating Toulouse 0-1 in the first leg in France.

Chelsea have six points out of six, with a 3-2 home victory over Birmingham, and 1-2 win at Reading.

The former double Premier League champions are on the longest current unbeaten run in this league of 16 matches, and have not lost on their league travels since last season's trip to Anfield.

Liverpool have only won their first two league matches of a season once since the Premier League was reduced to 20 clubs; Aston Villa (a) and Southampton (h) were defeated in August 2002.

The Merseysiders have won their opening HOME fixture in the last three Premier League seasons, and have not lost their initial league game at Anfield since 17 August 2003, when Chelsea won 1-2.

These clubs have met 15 times in three seasons. Chelsea have won five of their six league games against Liverpool under Jose Mourinho.

CLUB FORM

LIVERPOOL

1. The Champions League runners-up secured third place in the Premier League for the second successive season with a 2-2 draw, home to relegated Charlton on the last day.

2. Been crowned champions of England an unmatched 18 times, although Manchester United are catching up fast (16 titles).

3. Yet to win the Premier League trophy. Their most recent title was 1989-90, under Kenny Dalglish.

4. One of 10 founder members of the Premier League competing this season.

5. Experiencing the third longest unbroken stint of top flight football of 46 seasons from 1962-63; beaten only by Arsenal (82 seasons) and Everton (54).

6. The only club whose players were not shown one red card in Premier League competition last season.

7. Won their opening HOME fixture in each of the last three Premier League seasons; against Manchester City, Sunderland and West Ham.

8. Manchester United were the only club to leave Anfield with maximum points last season.

9. Not lost in any competition at home since Barcelona defeated them 0-1 on 6 March in the Champions League. Since then they've won five and drawn one at Anfield, of which three wins and one draw were in the Premier League.

10. Picked up just four points from their opening four games last season, which included a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.

CHELSEA

1. Won eight and lost just one of their first 10 league games last season.

2. Won just one league game from a losing position last season, but already doubled that this term, having conceded the opening goal in both their fixtures.

3. Won 11 and drawn five Premier League games since losing 0-2 to Liverpool in last season's corresponding fixture on 20 January.

4. Not beaten in eight away league games. Won six and drawn two on the road, since the reverse at Anfield. One of only three away league defeats last term; the others were at Middlesbrough and Tottenham.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

LIVERPOOL

Steven GERRARD has scored Liverpool's only Premier League goal so far. The only other Reds' player to net is Andriy VORONIN in Champions League qualifying.

Peter CROUCH was Liverpool's leading scorer last season with 18.

Jermaine PENNANT made most appearances for the Reds (51). His only goal for Liverpool was scored in this corresponding fixture last season.

If he plays:-

Dirk KUYT will be making his 50th appearance in a Liverpool shirt.

CHELSEA

Chelsea's five goals in the Premier League have been scored by five different players.

If he plays:-

Michael ESSIEN will be making his 100th appearance in a Chelsea shirt.

HEAD TO HEAD

Chelsea lost last season's Premier League visit to Liverpool 2-0, but won their three previous trips to Anfield.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Liverpool 58 wins, Chelsea 44, Draws 26

Prem: Liverpool 11 wins, Chelsea 14, Draws 5

at Liverpool only

League (inc PL): Liverpool 43 wins, Chelsea 8, Draws 13

Prem: Liverpool 10 wins, Chelsea 3, Draws 2

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea

20 January 2007 - Ref: Rob Styles

Liverpool scorers: Kuyt 4, Pennant 18

REFEREE

Rob Styles (Waterlooville, Hampshire)

[lazeeboy]

Liverpool v Chelsea

Anfield

Sunday, 19 August

Kick-off: 1600 BST

Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match of the Day

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is expected to have a pain-killing injection in order to play, after fracturing his toe.

Rafael Benitez is set to rotate his squad with Jermaine Pennant, Dirk Kuyt Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger returning.

Captain John Terry returns to the Chelsea squad for the trip to Anfield after knee ligament trouble.

Ricardo Carvalho misses out with a thigh problem and Arjen Robben, Michael Ballack and Wayne Bridge are all out.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise, Arbeloa, Pennant, Gerrard, Sissoko, Alonso, Mascherano, Babel, Benayoun, Hyypia, Crouch, Kuyt, Torres, Voronin, Itandje.

Chelsea: Cech, Cudicini, Ferreira, Diarra, Terry, Ben Haim, Johnson, A Cole, J Cole, Makelele, Lampard, Essien, Obi, Shevchenko, Kalou, Sidwell, Pizarro, Drogba, Wright-Phillips, Sinclair.

BIG-MATCH FACTS

Two of the so-called "big four" clash for the first time this season, and something must give. Both clubs have 100% records in the Premier League.

Liverpool opened with a 1-2 win at Aston Villa, and then were involved in a Champions League qualifier midweek; beating Toulouse 0-1 in the first leg in France.

Chelsea have six points out of six, with a 3-2 home victory over Birmingham, and 1-2 win at Reading.

The former double Premier League champions are on the longest current unbeaten run in this league of 16 matches, and have not lost on their league travels since last season's trip to Anfield.

Liverpool have only won their first two league matches of a season once since the Premier League was reduced to 20 clubs; Aston Villa (a) and Southampton (h) were defeated in August 2002.

The Merseysiders have won their opening HOME fixture in the last three Premier League seasons, and have not lost their initial league game at Anfield since 17 August 2003, when Chelsea won 1-2.

These clubs have met 15 times in three seasons. Chelsea have won five of their six league games against Liverpool under Jose Mourinho.

CLUB FORM

LIVERPOOL

1. The Champions League runners-up secured third place in the Premier League for the second successive season with a 2-2 draw, home to relegated Charlton on the last day.

2. Been crowned champions of England an unmatched 18 times, although Manchester United are catching up fast (16 titles).

3. Yet to win the Premier League trophy. Their most recent title was 1989-90, under Kenny Dalglish.

4. One of 10 founder members of the Premier League competing this season.

5. Experiencing the third longest unbroken stint of top flight football of 46 seasons from 1962-63; beaten only by Arsenal (82 seasons) and Everton (54).

6. The only club whose players were not shown one red card in Premier League competition last season.

7. Won their opening HOME fixture in each of the last three Premier League seasons; against Manchester City, Sunderland and West Ham.

8. Manchester United were the only club to leave Anfield with maximum points last season.

9. Not lost in any competition at home since Barcelona defeated them 0-1 on 6 March in the Champions League. Since then they've won five and drawn one at Anfield, of which three wins and one draw were in the Premier League.

10. Picked up just four points from their opening four games last season, which included a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.

CHELSEA

1. Won eight and lost just one of their first 10 league games last season.

2. Won just one league game from a losing position last season, but already doubled that this term, having conceded the opening goal in both their fixtures.

3. Won 11 and drawn five Premier League games since losing 0-2 to Liverpool in last season's corresponding fixture on 20 January.

4. Not beaten in eight away league games. Won six and drawn two on the road, since the reverse at Anfield. One of only three away league defeats last term; the others were at Middlesbrough and Tottenham.

KEY PLAYER NOTES

LIVERPOOL

Steven GERRARD has scored Liverpool's only Premier League goal so far. The only other Reds' player to net is Andriy VORONIN in Champions League qualifying.

Peter CROUCH was Liverpool's leading scorer last season with 18.

Jermaine PENNANT made most appearances for the Reds (51). His only goal for Liverpool was scored in this corresponding fixture last season.

If he plays:-

Dirk KUYT will be making his 50th appearance in a Liverpool shirt.

CHELSEA

Chelsea's five goals in the Premier League have been scored by five different players.

If he plays:-

Michael ESSIEN will be making his 100th appearance in a Chelsea shirt.

HEAD TO HEAD

Chelsea lost last season's Premier League visit to Liverpool 2-0, but won their three previous trips to Anfield.

Home and away

League (inc PL): Liverpool 58 wins, Chelsea 44, Draws 26

Prem: Liverpool 11 wins, Chelsea 14, Draws 5

at Liverpool only

League (inc PL): Liverpool 43 wins, Chelsea 8, Draws 13

Prem: Liverpool 10 wins, Chelsea 3, Draws 2

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea

20 January 2007 - Ref: Rob Styles

Liverpool scorers: Kuyt 4, Pennant 18

REFEREE

Rob Styles (Waterlooville, Hampshire)

early days but beat liverpool and will be 3 points clear of the field ,come you blues

[Seapok]

early days but beat liverpool and will be 3 points clear of the field ,come you blues

It certainly is early days but it will give us a huge physiological boost especially if City turn over United. I actually

think this would be a good time to play United, with Rooney and the hugely influential Ronaldo out City might surprise us all, fingers crossed!

[Jockstar]

I fancy City to win.

[scousemouse]

I fancy City to win.

score draw in the manc derby i reckon , but in the important match 2-1 to us .

[Suszzy]

good result.

bit lucky with penalty but well taken by lampard

can't wait for the next match!

[true blue]

well done good game very entertaining ref bit fussy looks like taken over from 3 card poll

[Seapok]

Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea

Frank Lampard salvaged a point for Chelsea after Fernando Torres scored his first goal for Liverpool in a tempestuous battle at Anfield.

Torres opened the scoring in the first half when he was fed by Steven Gerrard before slotting past Petr Cech.

Lampard equalised for Chelsea with a penalty won by Florent Malouda, who was fouled by Steve Finnan.

That decision was contested by the Reds in a pulsating, yet niggly, match that saw eight yellow cards handed out.

The talking point in Monday's press will be the performance of referee Rob Styles, although there will undoubtedly be column inches reserved for a fine performance by Torres.

Both the Spaniard and his partner in attack, Dirk Kuyt, were a credit to the Reds, their tremendous industry giving a Chelsea defence, led by John Terry, little respite.

Both of them deserved reward for their hardwork, but it was Torres who opened the scoring on 16 minutes.

Gerrard, playing despite having pain-killing injections in his fractured toe, threaded a peach of a ball through to the 23-year-old, who cruised round the outside of Ben Haim on the left before slotting the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.

As well as from Torres and Kuyt, John Arne Riise and Alvaro Arbeloa were also particularly effective for Liverpool down the left flank, preventing Michael Essien from getting forward from his right-back position.

Riise got away from the Ghanaian early in the game to test Cech with a 20-yard low shot.

Chelsea were largely kept quiet by the Liverpool defence, who limited Didier Drogba to half chances.

The Ivory Coast striker saw one tame free-kick deflected wide while a header flew high over the bar.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho had started with Shaun Wright-Phillips in a central position but moved the England midfielder out to the right in the second half.

The tactical swap almost paid off immediately when Wright-Phillips swung in a wicked cross for substitute Claudio Pizarro.

The Peruvian met the ball with his head but sent his effort wide of the far post.

Despite that attempt, Liverpool looked in firm control and, as cliched as it sounds, it seemed only a moment of magic or defensive error would get Chelsea back into the game.

As it happened, it was contentious refereeing decision that allowed the Blues to draw level.

Rob Styles, who booked eight players in the match, decided to award the visitors a penalty when he ruled that defender Finnan fouled Malouda.

Replays showed there was no contact between the players, but Lampard stepped up to beat Pepe Reina from the spot.

Styles was at the centre of another talking point when he appeared to show a yellow card to both Terry and Essien, who had been booked earlier in the match.

However, the Hampshire official later clarified that he had only booked Terry.

Liverpool almost grabbed a winner late on, substitute Ryan Babel fizzing a shot inches wide of Cech's right-hand post.

But Chelsea hung on for a share of the spoils.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa, Pennant (Babel 68), Gerrard, Alonso, Riise (Crouch 83), Torres, Kuyt.

Subs Not Used: Itandje, Hyypia, Mascherano.

Booked: Kuyt, Pennant, Gerrard, Carragher.

Goals: Torres 16.

Chelsea: Cech, Essien, Ben-Haim, Terry, Ashley Cole, Kalou (Pizarro 46), Wright-Phillips (Joe Cole 77), Obi, Lampard, Malouda (Alex 85), Drogba.

Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Makelele.

Booked: Essien, Ashley Cole, Ben-Haim, Lampard, Terry.

Goals: Lampard 62 pen.

Att: 43,924

Ref: Robert Styles (Hampshire).

[Seapok]

Sounds like sour grapes to me!

Ref Styles sparks Liverpool fury

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was left incensed and skipper Steven Gerrard said Rob Styles had "cracked" after he awarded Chelsea a penalty on Sunday.

Styles penalised Steve Finnan for a foul on Florent Malouda, although replays showed there was no contact.

"That decision is impossible to explain, it was the invisible penalty" said Benitez after the 1-1 draw.

Styles also appeared to give Chelsea defender Michael Essien two yellow cards but did not send him off.

And after the game Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said: "Michael was honestly very frightened, he thought he had been booked again.

"The referee then explained that he had only booked one player, John Terry, but Essien stood there for a long time and he said afterwards that he believed he had been cautioned again."

The incident happened shortly after Styles had awarded Chelsea their penalty, which Frank Lampard converted to level the scores after Fernando Torres put Liverpool in front with a goal on his home debut.

Former Premier League referee Graham Poll told BBC Radio 5live that Styles did not book Essien twice but that his award of a card to Terry looked "messy".

"At the first look I definitely thought he had booked Essien a second time," said Poll.

"Having looked I can see that as Rob raises the yellow card he points over to John Terry and says that it is John he has cautioned."

The incident came shortly after Styles decision to award Chelsea their spot kick and Poll added: "He had just given a penalty and you have a gut feeling as a referee that you might have made a mistake.

"You are under pressure then and when the stress is at its highest it is difficult to think clearly and get everything right."

But Poll acknowledged that Styles made a significant error with his penalty decision and suggested he might not referee a game next weekend.

"It was a big mistake," said Poll, who booked Croatia's Josip Simunic three times during a World Cup match in 2006.

"What Rob will do, I would venture to suggest, is have next weekend off.

"I would be happy to have a weekend off to lick my wounds and regain my confidence."

Benitez had no sympathy with Styles after the match, adding: "I want to have a lot of respect for referees, but sometimes I cannot understand why they give some decisions.

"I think he will watch the video of the match and admit that his penalty decision was a mistake."

And Gerrard asked for Styles to apologise for his penalty decision.

"I don't want to say too much because I will get into trouble, but the referee didn't play well," said the Liverpool skipper.

"Whether it was because the Chelsea players were talking I don't know, but in the end he's cracked and made a bad decision.

"It wasn't a penalty and I hope he comes out and says sorry now."

Meanwhile, Mourinho did not criticise Styles over the penalty decision but suggested his job had not been made easier by the behaviour of certain players from "a different culture".

"I haven't seen the replay of the incident and it was difficult to make out what was happening at the time," he insisted.

"Rafa has his opinion and I have mine. I judged the game to be a good and a fair one.

"Perhaps there were too many cards but overall I thought Mr Styles had a positive game.

"Not every player on the pitch was helping the referee."

Styles handed out eight yellow cards - while Mourinho was believed to be referring to Liverpool's Spanish duo of Torres and Alvaro Arbeloa.

Mourinho also made reference to the decisive scored by Luis Garcia in the 200 Champions League semi-final at Anfield - which the Blues boss maintains did not cross the line.

"If people say it was not a penalty I'd ask them to comment on the goal we lost here in the Champions League semi-final," he added.

"We are a naive and pure team. We do not have people diving into swimming pools, Chelsea is a naive team."

But Benitez countered: "I will not name people, but you can check their team and see how many times they do things that Mourinho says that they do not do.

"I remember a lot of situations in the last three years, and you could see the players talking all the time at the referee."

[Seapok]

Jose: We have 'no divers'

Jose Mourinho sparked another war-of-words with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez when he insisted his side had 'no divers'.

The Chelsea boss claimed referee Rob Styles was right to award the Blues a hotly disputed second-half penalty at Anfield.

Styles harshly adjudged Steve Finnan to have fouled Florent Malouda inside the box even though it appeared that the Chelsea winger had made the most of the challenge.

But Mourinho jumped to the defence of the French international and insisted he had done nothing wrong.

"I have not seen it on TV so I was 30 metres away," Mourinho told The Sun.

"Malouda opens his legs to let the ball run and he is brought down from behind - I think it's a penalty.

"Do you think my players surround the referee? I have a naive team. We do not have any divers, no violent people, we do not have any nasty tackles. It's a pure team."

But an angry Benitez responded after the 1-1 draw by saying: "If that's the case then I'm Little Red Riding Hood!

"You can check his team and I think how many times they do and say the things they say they don't do.

"There have been a lot situations in the last three years. The players were talking to the ref the whole time."

And the Liverpool boss felt Styles had got it wrong when he awarded Chelsea their second-half penalty: "I want to have respect for the referee but only he can explain - but he will not be able to explain properly.

"There were 45,000 people here and they could not see a penalty. That is why Jose Mourinho could not see it."

[Seapok]

Makelele extends Chelsea stay

Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele has signed a one-year extension at Stamford Bridge.

The move will keep the 34-year-old at the west London club until 2009. Makelele's current deal was due to expire at the end of the current

season but the Blues have moved quickly to retain the French World Cup winner.

Makelele joined Chelsea from Real Madrid in the summer of 2003 and has helped the Blues win back-to-back Premiership titles,

two Carling Cup finals and one FA Cup.

He has made 183 appearances for Jose Mourinho's men and scored two goals.

[mrtoad]

well done good game very entertaining ref bit fussy looks like taken over from 3 card poll

Ref is now on holiday.

[Seapok]

Cech claims Czech crown

Petr Cech edged out Tomas Rosicky to pick up his third consecutive Czech Player of the Year award.

The Chelsea goalkeeper finished just ahead of the Arsenal midfielder in the voting.

The 25-year-old picked up the award as the Czech Republic prepare for their friendly with Austria in Vienna on Wednesday.

Speaking about his season so far, Cech admitted that his main goal at the moment was to keep a clean sheet.

"I have not had a clean sheet so far so I want to get that," he told Sport.

Cech quipped that it was the fact he was approaching 100 clean-sheets for Chelsea, that was hampering him.

"Since I got to know about the record, I have been cursed," he said.

"I remember that one striker waited to break a similar record for almost a year. I hope that will not happen to me."

Cech recently played at Reading for the first time since he sustained his serious head injuries there last season.

"I thought I would remember something from that game - the dressing rooms, the stadium. When I arrived there, I realised that I remembered nothing at all," he said.

"That made it easier for me, the game was then like any other."

[Seapok]

Cole eyes 'great' season

Ashley Cole believes it could be Chelsea's season for success in the Premier League.

The Chelsea full-back has acknowledged that his side were fortuitous to be awarded a contentious penalty equaliser by referee Rob Styles in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

However, Cole insists this is the rub of the green successful sides require and he feels Chelsea will now be set for a positive campaign.

Chelsea have come through a difficult trio of opening games, which included fixtures against Birmingham and Reading on top of their trip to Anfield, unbeaten and Cole is now looking ahead.

"These are the games that make you think it could be one of those great seasons," Cole told The Guardian.

"I know it's early days yet but, if you look at the table, we're still unbeaten after three tough games.

"Coming to a place like Anfield and getting such a good result does put you in really good stead and gives the players a lot of belief in ourselves and what we can do.

"It gives us the belief and focus that we are good enough to win the league.

"We've been talking about the penalty and I don't want to blame anyone. You win some you lose some.

"But it was a real blow for Liverpool and really hurt them at the end, which made it good for us.

"They were 1-0 up at home, but we came away with a point despite having played not too well.

"That's the sign of a great team, to not play well and nick a result."

[lazeeboy]

Cole eyes 'great' season

Ashley Cole believes it could be Chelsea's season for success in the Premier League.

The Chelsea full-back has acknowledged that his side were fortuitous to be awarded a contentious penalty equaliser by referee Rob Styles in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

However, Cole insists this is the rub of the green successful sides require and he feels Chelsea will now be set for a positive campaign.

Chelsea have come through a difficult trio of opening games, which included fixtures against Birmingham and Reading on top of their trip to Anfield, unbeaten and Cole is now looking ahead.

"These are the games that make you think it could be one of those great seasons," Cole told The Guardian.

"I know it's early days yet but, if you look at the table, we're still unbeaten after three tough games.

"Coming to a place like Anfield and getting such a good result does put you in really good stead and gives the players a lot of belief in ourselves and what we can do.

"It gives us the belief and focus that we are good enough to win the league.

"We've been talking about the penalty and I don't want to blame anyone. You win some you lose some.

"But it was a real blow for Liverpool and really hurt them at the end, which made it good for us.

"They were 1-0 up at home, but we came away with a point despite having played not too well.

"That's the sign of a great team, to not play well and nick a result."

its not easy to come away from anfield with a point ,well done lads even though you played pretty average .

[Seapok]

Terry backing for injured Lampard

Wembley Stadium

Wednesday, 22 August

Kick-off: 2000 BST

Live coverage on BBC One, BBC Radio 5live & the BBC Sport website.

England skipper John Terry has revealed that Frank Lampard will play through the pain barrier against Germany.

Lampard, who has been a recent victim of England boo-boys, is taking injections because of a broken toe.

"He's playing through injuries to get through training and games," Terry said ahead of Wednesday's friendly.

"He doesn't miss a day of training, he will keep playing and training - he is a fantastic professional and a world-class player."

Midfielder Lampard has been singled out for criticism by some England fans during some of the team's recent below-par displays but Terry has urged them to get behind his Blues team-mate.

"I would hope they lay off him. He got targeted from them for some bad performances from everyone," added Terry. "He took the brunt and that's unfair.

"It is a privilege to play with him for England and Chelsea and he is an example for all younger players."

Terry has passed himself fit for the game following a knee injury and is determined to see an England side full of passion against their rivals.

"We're ready for the game," he said "I'm very much looking forward to it. We know what it means and the history between the two countries speaks for itself.

"I don't think you can class it as a friendly. Once we're out there we won't have that mentality. We will look to press them and get amongst them. We have got two really important home games coming up."

The game is part of England's preparations for their Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia at Wembley in September.

Terry says their new home will be crucial to their hopes of making the finals next year.

He added: "We had a little bit of stick before the Brazil and Estonia games and that has given us the confidence we needed.

"The fans are behind us and will play a massive role - we hope we can put on a good show.

"People are coming from round the country to see it and we'll not be treating it like a friendly.

"Wembley could be vital, with four massive games, and it's a chance to get to know the ins and outs of the stadium. We can use it as an advantage for the games coming up.

"It can be a positive and the fans can play a major part."

England coach Steve McClaren says the players will be fired up for Wednesday's meeting against the side that inflicted a defeat on them in their last game at the old Wembley.

"We've got a big game and we've got to make sure we get a performance," he said of the match against Germany. "We had a training session and looked very sharp.

"People talk about injuries but whoever plays tomorrow will have a great opportunity to play at Wembley, against Germany, in front of a full house.

"Everyone knows it is a special occasion and that is what we want to make it."

[Seapok]

Robben set to complete Real move

Arjen Robben is poised to complete a move to Real Madrid after the Spanish champions agreed a fee with Chelsea.

The 23-year-old winger has been linked with the Bernabeu outfit for most of the summer but the fee appeared to be a sticking point between the clubs.

However, Chelsea announced that the transfer had been settled subject to the Dutchman agreeing personal terms on a five-year deal and passing a medical.

The transfer fee is thought to be in the region of £21m.

John Terry said losing Robben was a blow.

"We are very disappointed to lose him," said the Chelsea captain. "He's very young and a world class player.

"He's been a great friend to not only me but all the other Chelsea players. We are sorry to see him go but on behalf of myself and everyone else at Chelsea we wish him well."

The Robben announcement came on a busy day for Real, who agreed a deal for Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze as well as the sale of Cicinho to Roma.

Robben has been at Chelsea since joining from PSV Eindhoven in 2004, scoring 19 goals in 104 appearances at Stamford Bridge.

However, Real president Ramon Calderon repeatedly expressed an interest in bringing the winger to the Bernabeu.

This summer, Robben was offered a new Chelsea contract but opted instead to push for a move to the Spanish capital.

He will join fellow Dutchmen Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wesley Sneijder and Royston Drenthe at the Bernabeu.

[Seapok]

Chelsea close on Belletti

Chelsea appear to have switched their attentions away from Daniel Alves, as they look set to clinch a deal for his fellow countryman Juliano Belletti.

Jose Mourinho wants a new right-back and Brazilian Alves was his No.1 target, but after weeks of talks Chelsea have failed to broker a deal with Sevilla.

At one point Chelsea are believed to have offered over £20million for Alves, but Sevilla refused to accept - and now Mourinho has been forced to look elsewhere.

Roma-bound Cicinho was one player under consideration, but he now looks to have decided that Belletti is the man to solve his issues on the right of his defence.

Glen Johnson was expected to push Paulo Ferreira this season, following his return from an impressive season-long stint at Portsmouth, but Mourinho remains far from convinced by either of his current options and at Liverpool on Sunday even opted to play Michael Essien at right-back.

Belletti now looks set to solve Mourinho's problems by shunning interest form Newcastle and sealing a move to Stamford Bridge.

The 31-year-old, who has sunk down the Barcelona pecking order over the past 12 months, is reported to be in London undergoing a medical before penning a deal with Chelsea.

[lazeeboy]

Robben set to complete Real move

Arjen Robben is poised to complete a move to Real Madrid after the Spanish champions agreed a fee with Chelsea.

The 23-year-old winger has been linked with the Bernabeu outfit for most of the summer but the fee appeared to be a sticking point between the clubs.

However, Chelsea announced that the transfer had been settled subject to the Dutchman agreeing personal terms on a five-year deal and passing a medical.

The transfer fee is thought to be in the region of £21m.

John Terry said losing Robben was a blow.

"We are very disappointed to lose him," said the Chelsea captain. "He's very young and a world class player.

"He's been a great friend to not only me but all the other Chelsea players. We are sorry to see him go but on behalf of myself and everyone else at Chelsea we wish him well."

The Robben announcement came on a busy day for Real, who agreed a deal for Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze as well as the sale of Cicinho to Roma.

Robben has been at Chelsea since joining from PSV Eindhoven in 2004, scoring 19 goals in 104 appearances at Stamford Bridge.

However, Real president Ramon Calderon repeatedly expressed an interest in bringing the winger to the Bernabeu.

This summer, Robben was offered a new Chelsea contract but opted instead to push for a move to the Spanish capital.

He will join fellow Dutchmen Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wesley Sneijder and Royston Drenthe at the Bernabeu.

robben wont be missed too much ,he's prone to injuries ,and we have wright-phillips.......

[Seapok]

On his day Robben is a great player but I agree with you Lazeeboy he is very prone to injury but on the other hand we shouldn't be selling one of our better young players. I'm sure Malouda will do more than enough to cover for Robben's departure, he is a stronger more aggressive player that will do more for the team than Robben did.

He will be missed not only from the Chelsea players but the majority of the blues fans. I wish him well in the future I just hope he doesn't come back to haunt us if we meet in the Champions league!!

By the way Lazeeboy, do you actually know that bird in your avatar?

[Seapok]

Alves reveals Del Nido dismay

Daniel Alves has revealed his dismay that Sevilla rejected Chelsea's offer for his services.

The sought-after defender feels he has been badly let down by Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido.

The Brazilian full-back has been the subject of transfer speculation all summer and was expected to complete a big-money move to Stamford Bridge.

After having a 36million euros (£24.4million) bid rejected, Chelsea have now turned to Juliano Belletti from Barcelona and Alves has been left fuming that Sevilla ruined his chance of a move.

"It is the opportunity of a lifetime and I want to leave," he is quoted as saying in Marca.

"I am not going to let this chance pass.

"I am disappointed by the way I have been treated. In the four-and-a-half years that I have been here I have given everything and I want more respect.

"We had an agreement that if an offer came in that was above the asking price or a huge amount, then they would properly think about.

"An offer of 36m euros is a lot and yet the club refused it.

"I feel disappointed the offer of 36m euros was accepted at first and then later it was turned down. I thought that it would be accepted on Monday, but it wasn't."

Despite his anger, Alves made it clear that he has issues with only one person at Sevilla and holds no resentment towards the club.

"I do not want to talk badly of the club, because this is a matter between myself and the president," he continued.

"The fans understand what is going on because nobody in their right mind would not accept an offer that would see their salary doubled."