Just when the pressure seems cooling down for Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea, things heated up again after the Blues were knocked out from the Carling Cup after getting beaten by Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, Manchester City also goes through from the Cup’s quarter final after edging passed home team Arsenal with a single goal crafted by one of their talismanic summer signing, Sergio Aguero.
Chelsea Beaten Again by Reds
Coming into the Carling Cup quarter final with a 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Chelsea apparently couldn’t carry the winning spirit into the midweek match against Liverpool, who once again beaten them at Stamford Bridge. Mourning Craig Bellamy was the main actor behind the Blues’ defeat against the Reds as the former Manchester City player created the two goals which gave Kenny Dalglish’ team the edge towards Villas-Boas’ side.
Signs of Chelsea’s misery has already occurred in early 20 minutes of the first half, where Liverpool could’ve taken the lead when a penalty kick was given after Alex handled Jose Enrique’s cross inside the box. Fortunately for the home team, Andy Carrol, failed to do his job as he blasted his shot straight into the Blues’ second goalie, Ross Turnbull.
Luckily for Liverpool, the missed penalty didn’t affected them mentally as in the second half Bellamy inspired the Reds’ victory after providing two assist, the first one for Maxi Rodriguez and the second goes to Martin Kelly. An inspiring performance indeed from Liverpool’s Welshman, who dedicated his excellent performance on Tuesday night for his deceased best friend, Gary Speed, who passed away on November 27.
Man City Edged Out Gunners at Emirates
Meanwhile, at Emirates, Manchester City still got their Mojo after successfully edging out Arsenal from the Carling Cup quarter final in a pretty difficult encounter despite the Gunners were resting some of their first team members. Despite providing such a tough battle, Arsene Wenger’s youngsters apparently were just too ‘green’ for their opponent, who still played a much more experienced line up compared to the home team.
Argentinian international, Sergio Aguero, who came on to the pitch as early as in the 30th minute of the first half, decided the final result seven minutes from the final whistle after slotting home Adam Johnson’s flick passed Lukas Fabianski on Arsenal’s goal. Not only that the victory provided a passage for Man City for the next round of Carling Cup, but Roberto Mancini’s team still secured their unbeaten run in all domestic competition.
Match Reports:
Chelsea v Liverpool 0-2
Goals: Maxi Rodriguez 58, Martin Kelly 63 (Liverpool)
Arsenal v Man City 0-1
Goal: Aguero 83 (Man City)
