Liverpool keeps pace with Chelsea despite dropping points vs Fulham

Not the best weekend for the so-called Big Four could hope for in the Barclays Premier League. Neither Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal could gain maximum points as they were held by their respective opponents in last Saturday’s fixtures. As it stands Liverpool and Chelsea are deadlocked at 33 points.

Liverpool were clearly not in their usual dominant form in their game against Fulham, a game that ended in a 0-0 draw. The usual sharpness was clearly absent and they were caught a step behind in many occasions especially on the defensive end. It could have been fatigue that was caused by the international friendly fixtures in the mid-week where many of their players came back from international duties. Javier Mascherano, who captained Argentina in their win against Scotland, was constantly out sprinted by Fulham striker Bobby Zamora. Fernando Torres did not have his usual speed and his shots lacked power.

Captain Steven Gerrard’s absence was another crucial blow. He could have made a huge difference especially inside the box. Many times Albert Reira did managed to slip the ball inside the penalty area and had Gerrard suited up, he could have provided more threat to Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer.

Manager Rafael Benitez’s tinkering with the lineup starting Lucas Lieva instead of the much experienced Xabi Alonso and opting to sit out Gerrard very much indeed proved costly for the Reds. As the game was wrapping up, I could not help but check the Chelsea-Newcastle game which was shown on the other channel because a Chelsea win would have brought them two points ahead. To my relief, Newcastle held their own in Stamford Bridge and ended with a goalless draw of their own.

Liverpool has a midweek Champions League fixture against French Ligue 1 club Marseille and will return to action in England against West Ham United on Monday, December the 1st.