A Predictable Outcome

       A predictable outcome came out of the Chelsea v Liverpool game just a few short hours ago. While Liverpool surely dominated the game, you wouldn't be able to tell that from the stat line. Chelsea had 58% of the possession, had more corners, and commited less offsides. They took more shots (19), but had the same amount on goal as Liverpool, (3). Chelsea only scored on 1 of those 3 chances, while Liverpool scored twice, including a Glen Johnson goal that left a streched and tired Chelsea defense in the dust. In the first half, Chelsea barely looked like Chelsea. They weren't attacking well, and left the pitch for the break with no shots on goal, even though Drogba nearly netted a 26th minute free kick, sending it just wide of the right post. It rippled the net, and had a great many people convinced that it was a goal. All of the misery changed though, with a key substitution to start the 2nd half. Daniel Sturridge was brought on to replace an aging John Mikel Obi. Strurridge's youth brought a new attacking vigor to the team, and a goal by the very culprit soon followed. At this point, Torres, Meireles, and Bosingwa were warming up. "Good choice," I thought to myself, "Torres wants to beat his old team so bad, he'll commit himself well, and both Meireles and Bosingwa bring a good attacking personality while still keeping the defense under control." I said that to myself for the nest 30 minutes, as the game went into it's dullest period, with neither team got any real chances. Stewart Downing came on for Maxi Rodreiguez. Then, finally, in the 84th minute, Torres and Meireles came on for Drogba and Ramires. In the 86th minute, a beautiful cross field pass by Charlie Adam set up a downright embbarrassing goal for the Chelsea defense. As Glen Johnson netted the goal, something else happened.

       That goal may very well have ended Chelsea's title hopes. While that may seam premature, think about it. They are 12 points behind leaders Man City, which equals 4 wins, and at the pace Man City are at right now, they very well may stay that far ahead. If Man U, Chelsea and others nipping at their heels start catching up soon, it's going to be Blue Moon Rising all across England. I believe the team with the best chance to catch City are in fact the Red Devils. While that does sound obvious, they are the closest to the leaders, and are in just as good form as the Citizens. I believe that Chelsea's best hope for silverware this year is in the FA cup. Don't even mention the Champions League. Barca has the title wrapped up, unless a talented Inter Milan can regroup enough to make to the championship. I believe that they are the only team with a decent chance at even challenging the Catalans.