LFC’s defensive woes are a major reason that Chelsea are favored in this one, as is the fact that this match is at Stamford Bridge.
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Conte attracted widespread criticism from Chelsea supporters for his decision not to make any substitutions until the 84th minute, when he introduced fan favourite Cesc Fabregas, Victor Moses and Pedro Rodriguez all at once with his team 2-1 down and chasing an equaliser.
Victory would only put Chelsea top for less than 24 hours should Manchester City, still defending a 100 percent record since Pep Guardiola took the reins, then defeat Bournemouth, a team they have never lost to, at the Etihad on Saturday. Chelsea dropped to third and Liverpool rose to provisional fourth to start the fifth round.
“It’s a big victory, it keeps our momentum going”, captain Jordan Henderson said.
With work to improve Anfield running into the start of the campaign, Liverpool have played just once at home so far and have already visited Arsenal, Tottenham and now Chelsea. “It gives good confidence”.
Former Juventus and Italy coach Conte, dubbed the “Pep Guardiola of Turin” by Klopp, joined Chelsea after Euro 2016 and has led the former champions to three wins in four league games this season putting them second in the table.
Reds defenders Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip, James Milner, and Nathaniel Clyne ensured Costa and Eden Hazard were virtually non-entities in Chelsea’s first Friday night game in 14 years.
“He looks quite emotional, even when they don’t score”.
Coutinho’s expertly weighted cross fell perfectly in front of Lovren to practically roll the ball past Thibaut Courtois.
Only the relentless N’Golo Kante, in midfield, gave Liverpool trouble.
David Luiz made a second debut for the club, following his return from Paris Saint-Germain, with Terry unavailable.
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Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas was sent off for an ugly foul on Ragnar Klavan, while Liverpool’s Marko Grujic had to go to hospital following a clash of heads with Bertrand Traore.
