Liverpool Show No Signs Of Sadness In Victory At Stamford Bridge

Fernando Who?...

After all the hype and build up to yesterdays fixture, a mix of the general rivalry in clashes with Chelsea, oh and the added sprinkle of Fernando Torres playing his first game in a blue shirt, well by kick off the whole fan base was ready and raring to go.

It was always going to be a slightly heated atmosphere after the timing of Torres' leave and although some fans have taken the peaceful and well wishing option, there were also plenty portraying the more vexed option.

Liverpool started in a similar fashion to the Stoke fixture. The reintroduction of Jamie Carragher was the only change for the Reds. 

A daunting looking strike force from Chelsea in the threesome of Drogba, Anelka and Torres looked a lot scarier on paper that it did on the pitch.

Liverpool immediately set to work in closing off the Chelsea attack and Jamie Carragher especially was in no way going to allow former Liverpool colleague Fernando Torres to give his new side the lead. A typical thrown in block from the talisman defender prevented Torres from getting his first Chelsea goal.

Carragher too was also making sure Didier Drogba was kept quiet, some close clashes between the pair were nail biting moments but the 90minutes from the number 23 must be praised.

The best chance for either side in the first half fell to the feet of Maxi Rodriguez. The man with the heartbeat theme tune was visibly distraught after missing a sitter and watching his effort come back off the cross bar. The whipped in ball from captain Steven Gerrard needed little on it to put the Reds ahead but it just wasn't the Argentinians day.

The game was clearly unbalanced but in terms of defending Liverpool looked a different side. Under Hodgson they literally looked lost but arguably due to the efforts from Steve Clarke our boys at the back now look more than solid and Chelsea were certainly finding it hard to break through.

The addition of Kelly and Johnson's freedom to push forward is a tactically sound movement from manager Kenny Dalglish and for two games on the trot now it has been proved the mixture of bodies forward plus defensive strength have helped Liverpool win games but also keep clean sheets.

Just after the hour mark the fourth official standing next to Salomon Kalou was ready to put the board up. Most Liverpool fans were already preparing their Hyena laughs as the number 9 of Fernando Torres appeared. 

Although some may feel it's harsh i must admit i am so glad he was ineffective and didn't get chance to score. I'm not a fan who works by hating ex players etc and this case although i am very disappointed in him is no different. From here on in i don't mind if he has a good season and scores goals for Chelsea i am just proud that we proved he's made the wrong decision (in my eyes), the only way Liverpool could point score on Torres leaving was with a win a Stamford Bridge.

Step up Raul Meireles. Again, to bring Hodgson back into conversation, under Roy, although it was his signing, Meireles looked a shadow of the player that he is now. Thankfully, the skills of King Kenny are never ending it appears and since Dalglish has been in charge Meireles is in a far better position and brimming with confidence.

A mishap between goalkeeper Petr Cech and defender Branislav Ivanovic meant the Portuguese midfielder could receive the ball in front of goal. A fine left footed finish saw Meireles bring his tally up to 4 goals in his last 5 league games. Fantastic!

Somewhat annoyingly for myself i had missed out on some winnings! I had a cheeky quid on Meireles against Stoke and he won me a tenner. Yesterday morning on Twitter whilst sussing out where to put my quid i mentioned how Meireles to score again but now at 16/1 was tempting...

"Seriously buzzing now and still so long until KO!Don't know whether to have another punt on Meireles 1st goalscorer.Paid off last time haha."

"Why has Meireles gone up to 16/1 that's madness! His odds should have been shortened if anything."

Foolishly, i never took my own advice but it appears some of my followers did!...

"@LFCKirstyLFC I put my quid on after your tweet! I know that doesn't help you, but thank you!" - @JamesHerd

"@LFCKirstyLFC you earnt me 85 quid you little beauty" - @liverbirdpie

I was bloody gutted! But well done to all those who cashed in! Haha.

With such a slender lead, of course the end to the second half was going to be tense. Chelsea although having several attempts at goal were fortunately sending them off target. A save from Reina to his near post was perhaps the only real threat for Liverpool who dealt well with Chelsea even after the introduction of Malouda and new signing David Luiz.

Aurelio replaced Maxi at 75minutes and after a link up with Dirk Kuyt shortly afterwards, the Brazilian nearly had a chance to put Liverpool two nil up.

Goalscorer Meireles made way for Christian Poulsen at just over 80minutes as the lads wound down the clock.

Another brilliant performance from the side and a real sense of a team effort was given. Even after scoring goals recently we appear to be celebrating as a team and it's great to see! It's always a great feeling to beat Chelsea on their own turf but add to this another clean sheet, another Meireles goal, Torres getting clattered by Daniel Agger (totally accidental I'm sure) and the table now reading that we're in 6th place...

Well it's extremely hard not to feel positive at the moment!