What A Game!

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We were treated to one of the best games of the new year so far and what a game it was. It looked like Chelsea are back to their best with this game as they came from behind to snatch a draw at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea dominated the game despite being behind on two occasions but you can't fault their determination and ability on the ball. Liverpool, despite leading by 2-0, still didn't look convincing enough as Chelsea crawled their way back into the game. Mane and Salah gave Liverpool a 2 goal cushion before Kovacic and Pulisic got their side back on level terms.

It was a game of many chances for both sides and you can understand the intensity of such a game like this as both needed the 3 points to stay closer to Manchester City who are racing already to the title. Both had to settle for a draw and Manchester City seems to be the only beneficiary of this game as they are now 10 points ahead of second-placed Chelsea and 11 points ahead of Liverpool even though Liverpool has a game in hand but that would only see them close the gap to 8 points if they win their outstanding game.

Pulisic wasted a golden chance so early in the game after Havertz closed down on Alexander Arnold's clearance and the ball fell to him. Rather than take his chance early enough he decided to round off Caoimhin Kelleher as the Irish goalkeeper stopped his effort to give relief to Alexander Arnold.

Liverpool quickly responded in like fashion as Chalobah's headed clearance didn't go to his intended player as he meant to use his leg rather than his head. Mane was there to pounce on his mistake and did what Pulisic didn't do. He rounded off the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the empty net with Chalobah's recovery with Azpilicueta being on the line as well couldn't prevent the ball from going in as early as the 9th minute.

Liverpool doubled their lead in the 26th minute after a clever Alexander Arnold's pass found Salah. He managed to beat Alonso for pace as he expertly beat Mendy at his near post as well with a neat finish. It was his first-ever goal against his former employer; Chelsea, in a Liverpool shirt. He opted not to celebrate but you can see what that goal meant to him.

Chelsea got back into the game just before halftime after a freekick delivery on the right side of the box by Marcos Alonso was punched clear by Caoimhin Kelleher. His punched clearance fell graciously to Mateo Kovacic as his casual volley which no one would have thought anything of, went right into the back of the net after coming off the upright. What a magnificent strike that was to give Chelsea hope.

Chelsea also gave Liverpool 2 goals without reply to make sure they both went into the break level as they started it after Pulisic got the goal in the 1st minute of added time - 4 minutes after Kovacic gave them the first goal. Rudiger did so well to poke the ball into the path of Kante who wasted no time in finding Pulisic. He wouldn't make the mistake again as he fired his shot volley that found the back of the net with ease and precision.

Salah would have gotten his 2nd and third for Liverpool after Jota did brilliantly well to have the ball in control after Alexander Arnold cleared it. He found Salah whose audacious attempt would have gone in from long range if not for the alertness and brilliance of Mendy who pushed the ball to safety for a corner kick.

It looked like both goalkeepers didn't want to be beaten again in the game as Caoimhin Kelleher produced a stunning save to deny Pulisic his 2nd goal and a potential 3rd for Chelsea which might have won the game after Pulisic was found with a lovely cross by Alonso. He attempted to guide the ball into the back of the net on the half volley but the Irish goalkeeper was there to act with his wonderful reflex and saved it.

Both teams settled for a draw in what proved to be an entertaining match but Manchester City would prefer this result more.

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Thank you for your time.

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My pen doesn't bleed, it speaks, with speed and ease.

Still me,

My tongue is like the pen of a ready writer.

Olawalium; (Love's chemical content, in human form). Take a dose today: doctor's order.