A long way away from perfection

At Stamford Bridge one could not be blamed for thinking that Chelsea were coasting to another Premier league title, and at times were untouchable, but recent dismal showings up North have exposed a more fragile side to Ancelotti's Chelsea side, and has served Carlo with his first real conundrum while managing the London outfit. As the prospect of another Manchester United slip up drew ever closer, Chelsea must have been buoyant about the weekends endeavours. As the 94th minute twinkled on the United clock, almost simultaneously so a second United goal glisten from the same scoreboard after Park's late winner. Nevertheless, an Arsenal and Tottenham slip up had set Chelsea up to brush away even further from their London rivals with a win at Anfield.

A woeful first half performance from everyone in blue, weaved with a masterclass of finishing and spectacular return to form from Anfield's darling and media-touted Chelsea target Fernando Torres. Torres' excellence was enough to win Liverpool the game, but it was Chelsea who lost the game. The Chelsea midfield, depleted by injuries was absent and dominated by a fairly mediocre Liverpool midfield. Liverpool's midfield, just like Manchester City's was allowed to dictate the momentum of the game and left Chelsea on the back foot from the go.

I had no major qualms about Mikel's performance, although not quite economical in possession as he's high standards have set, he had little to help in the Chelsea midfield. Ramires was anonymous in Chelsea's dismal first half showing, with his pass map highlighting how little passes went forward. With Ramires' passing limited to short, simple and backward passes it heaves much responsibility on the creativity of the unpredictably enigmatic Yury Zhirkov. He's captivating performances have won many plaudits, none more so from myself but he's effectiveness was limited by the fact that he isn't a central midfielder.

Like a magnet Zhirkov is attracted to the left, which caused Chelsea's only real threat. Lack of service down this side, and end product meant this would never be enough to split a sturdy Liverpool defensive display. Chelsea failed to get Kalou at all involved and the midfield desperately lacked the absence of Essien, not to mention Lampard.

Drogba's absence once again left the dilemma that is Nicolas Anelka. An exceptional player in his own right, Anelka however once again struggled when given the starting berth to lead the attack. Chelsea's injury problems have exposed Chelsea in away struggles early this season but with Essien returning on Wednesday, and Lampard who has barely featured this season at all to return soon, there's certainly no reason to worry just yet.