Liverpool fans are waking up with smiles on their faces after the 2-0 win over Chelsea at Anfield yesterday. The match saw Fernando Torres return to form and take his tally to 7 goals in 8 appearances against the Blues. That led to the Kop bouncing like it hadn’t done for some time. It also saw Lucas Leiva put in a commanding performance in midfield.
Torres grabs most the headlines… Writes Henry Winter in The Telegraph;
“This great old stadium was certainly rocking on Sunday, revelling in the sight of Torres back in goalscoring business, taking his league tally to 60 in 90 appearances, a ratio that speaks eloquently of the Spaniard’s heavyweight quality. Torres’s brace also provides a timely reminder of the sporting adage that form is temporary, class permanent, and he is a class act.”
Ian Herbert in The Independent compares Torres’ “dissection of John Terry.. to the ritual humiliation of Nemanja Vidic at Old Trafford 20 months ago”.
Herbert also praises rookie Martin Kelly who was thrown in for his full league debut;
“Kelly’s two cool headed interceptions early on set the tone. He was not out of his league, despite blagging Florent Malouda’s shirt at the end.”
While David Pleat in The Guardian praises Hodgson’s choice of formation and the return of Dirk Kuyt;
“Kuyt was the most important figure in this hardworking display, particularly in the second half when they had to quell the tide of sharp passing attacks from Chelsea. When possession changed hands the Dutchman quickly moved into a position where he could help to stifle the influence of Mikel John Obi in the centre of Chelsea‘s midfield. He appeared to have three lungs as he worked and challenged, always putting team before self.”
The excellent Zonal Marking website also praise Hodgson’s deployment of Kuyt centrally;
“The benefit of playing Kuyt further forward, however, is that he is able to link up with Torres when Liverpool get the ball, with the shape becoming a 4-4-2 (something Hodgson generally prefers). The two combined excellently for Liverpool’s opener – Kuyt drifting a pass over the top and Torres finishing well.”
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