To leave Anfield with a point is usually regarded as a good result, and this was the case last night (31st Jan). Although Liverpool probably needed the three points more than Chelsea, the former can certainly leave with their heads held high. They played some wonderful football that was badly missed in recent weeks and it was important not to lose given what had gone before in the past week or so.
Liverpool and Chelsea
But it could have been so different had Diego Costa scored the penalty that he won. It was a great save from Simon Mignolet, who atoned for his earlier error that led to Chelsea taking the lead.
There have been many who believe that changes in goal are needed. According to The Independent newspaper, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher had urged Jurgen Klopp to sign Joe Hart in January, as he fears that they will not win the league because they "have a goalkeeping problem".
Arsenal and Tottenham
With both Manchester clubs not in action until tonight (1st February) it was a big chance for Arsenal and Tottenham to gain some ground on the leaders Chelsea. But they both failed to do so as reported on the Fotmob website. Arsenal suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Watford. This is a team that not only lies thirteenth in the league but had only won one game in their previous nine games, a home victory against Burton in the FA Cup.
What this victory did show is that, not only is the Premier League so unpredictable but that Arsenal just cannot put a run together when they need it most. It was a major let off for Chelsea; if the Gunners had won the gap would have only have been six points. Let us not forget that Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday with a further three points up for grabs.
Tottenham Hotspurs have been playing great football of late and although they are still second in the league they really should have beaten relegation battlers Sunderland. They had 72 percent of possession and fourteen shots but were held to a 0-0 draw. If they aspire to be champions, they really have to win these sort of games.
As a result it is Chelsea who will be smiling today as they reflect on further ground gained at the top of the table.
Manchester United and Manchester City
Tonight as mentioned sees Manchester United and City play against Hull City and West Ham United respectively. With regards to the former, I do not foresee many problems. They are at home, they are playing well despite not winning their previous two league games and I just see them having too much for Hull. For Manchester City, a more difficult task awaits. Despite the departure of Dimitri Payet to Marseille West Ham have secured back to back victories as reported on the BBC. It will be a stern test but I expect City to come through in the end.
It is very tight at the top with just six points separating second and six. Let us not forget that if both Manchester teams win tonight that gap is reduced to three. It all adds up to a very exciting end to the season.
