Match Reports
LIVERPOOL 2-2 CHELSEA Liverpool were held at Anfield to end their 6 game winning run. Both sides needed to win the game for different reasons; Liverpool to almost guarantee themselves a Champions League place, and Chelsea to guarantee a UEFA Cup place for next year. The need for both to win was evident as both looked to attack at every opportunity. But it was Liverpool who struck first and the goal was scored by man of the moment Michael Owen. Owen found himself through on goal after being put through by McAllister, and the youngster finished with a clever chip over Cudicini. Chelsea's response was almost immediate though, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink grabbed an equaliser just 5 minutes later. Hasselbaink burst into the Liverpool half and was allowed to run unchallenged towards the Liverpool gaol before unleashing a shot from 30 yards that bounced just in front of the Liverpool 'keeper. Liverpool had further chances in the half to go in front, most notably by Owen and Heskey who each had chances saved by Cudicini. The atmosphere then started to get a bit fiery on the pitch as 3 players found themselves in the book during the closing minutes of the first half. The second half started a little scrappy but it wasn't long before a chance arrived, and it fell Chelsea's way as Westerweld was forced into another save. Then, 3 minutes later, Owen went on a run beating two Chelsea defenders but his shot curled just wide of the post. But Owen was back in another goalscoring chance soon after and put Liverpool ahead again on the hour with a close range volley after a scramble in the penalty area from a Liverpool corner. Chelsea came back with a Desailly header that was tipped over by Westerweld, and Dalla Bona who fired into the side netting. It was only a matter of time before they scored a second equaliser, and Hasselbaink was the man with the goal on 66 minutes after beating Hyypia. Gerrard, Heskey, Owen and Hyypia had opportunities to earn Liverpool all 3 points, but similarly Chelsea had chances of their own and Westerweld was required to keep Chelsea out a couple of times late on. Despite losing 2 home points, Liverpool remain 1 point ahead of Ipswich and a win away to Charlton would make certain of 3rd place. Click here to view the current league table
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