Prior to the match, Mourinho hinted about a full rotation due to Chelsea's Champions League game on Wednesday. Despite his rotations, Chelsea were still a strong side. On the other hand, a home win would put Liverpool one step closer to their first Premier League title since 1990.
Starting lineups.
Brendon Rogers played his usual first eleven.
This is the first reason why Mourinho was able to plan and execute his game plan to a full extent. Liverpool have become predictable. However, it is still not easy to get a result against them.
Chelsea started with Schwarzer on goal. Ivanovic returned to his natural position at center back next to Kalas, who had his premier league debut. Azpillicueta and Cole started as outside backs.
There were three important qualities presented in Chelsea's midfield. First, Chelsea's incredible work ethic, their organization and their tactical awareness.
In this sense, Lampard, Mikel and Matic were the appropriate midfield players to play against Liverpool. Schurrle and Salah were very influential providing energy and movement off the ball. Bemba Ba started on top.
Midfield Battle.
Even though Liverpool had a numerical advantage in the center of midfield, the defensive rotations from Schurrle and Salah allowed for Chelsea to be comfortable with this disadvantage. Defensively, Schrurrle and Salah would either tuck in closer to the middle or track Flanagan or Johnson's forward runs, creating a 2v1 advantage on the wings. If Azpillicueta pressed from the front of Flanagan, then Salah would press from behind or the middle. If Salah's press came from behind, then Mikel would come from the middle. Azpillicueta from the front, Matic would then recognize his role of providing balance. Lampard became the outlet for the break.
This created an interesting and predictable pattern that Mourinho expected. If Liverpool cannot penetrate through the middle, then they will play wide. Once the ball was played wide; so, Chelsea prepared for it.
There were two consequences. First, Liverpool possessed the ball more while drawing Chelsea closer to their own goal. (Which is what Chelsea wanted)
Second, there was a gap between Liverpool's center backs and their midfield. If Chelsea won the ball, they had the option to break by using Demba Ba as an outlet. If this was not possible, the space between Liverpool's center backs and midfield was exploited by Chelsea who attempted to play and build up from midfield.
Gerard Mistake.
Due to Chelsea's deep play without the ball, Liverpool also continued to rotate the ball to Sacko and Skrtel, where Steven Gerard dropped in between to create space for himself and allow for more movement from his midfield. Unfortunately for him, he did not receive the ball well on the half- turn, which resulted in Chelsea's first goal.
Late in the second half, when Liverpool pushed even higher up for the equalizer was a consequence of Chelsea's approach to the game. Liverpool gave them exactly what they were looking for from the beginning. Chelsea didn’t press the ball, yet they covered spaces. Usually, the opposition will misplace a pass. William and Torres took advantage of this to score Chelsea’s second goal of the game. The game was over.
Mourinho enjoys the big matches. Today was an example of how good he prepares for it. He has used this approach in many occasions. (Inter's 3-1 win against Barcelona in 2010; or Real Madrid's win against Barcelona in La Copa del Rey Final in 2011)
It's all about results.
Regardless of who wins the Premier League title this season, Mourinho will be content if Chelsea don't win it. As he has already layed out the foundations for next season. Chelsea can still win the League, but Liverpool or Manchester City are the likely winners.
Chelsea are lucky to have Mourinho. While Chelsea's style of play might not be appealing to the eye, it is in fact very effective. Effectiveness can give you titles. During his post-match interview, he said "The team played brilliantly. Every player was magnificent. No mistakes in zonal play, which is more difficult than man as a target." Mourinho doesn't always talk in details about tactics. Yet today, he hinted us with a hint of his ideas and how he wins important matches.
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