Scene is Set for an Anfield Cracker Next Week

In his usual confident and measured style, Jose said "Right now all the pressure is on them because 99.9% of Liverpool people believe they are already in the final. I like this situation very much because it is now like a FA Cup tie with the result being decided over 90 minutes. And while it is one thing for Liverpool to come here ans play for a 0-0 draw, it will be another thing for them to try a get a result against us. Liverpool played very well in defence tonight but I am very confident that we are going to the final. Don't forget that Manchester United drew 0-0 here in the first leg of the Carling Cup Semi but we went up to Old Trafford and won the second leg. And in last season's Semi-Final with Porto, we were held 0-0 at home by Deportivo La Coruna but they lost Mauro Silva through a booking late in the game and we beat them at their ground. Tonight Liverpool have lost Xabi Alonso for nest Tuesday's game so there are a lot of similarities here.'

Commenting on the possibility of facing severe abuse from the Kop fans next Tuesday, Jose said 'They should concentrate on supporting their team because what they do to me will not interfere with the game. They can shout what they like.'

Although Chelsea didn't win and take a lead to Anfield, not conceding a goal is almost like a victory in itself. ANY score draw will see Chelsea through to the final in Istanbul come May 25th, on the away goal rule.

The match was an absorbing affair. Both sides gave the ball away too much in midfield. Both sides looked like they were scared of conceding, although when LIverpool managed to break through Chelsea's tight defence, superbly led YET again by the PFA Player's Player of the Year John Terry, Petr Cech was outstanding and made what could become the Save of the Season. From a first-half Gerrard cross, Baros rose and sent a header towards Cech's right hand post, in mid flight Cech changed his saving hand from right to left, and pawed the effort round the post. Had Cech not done so, surely Baros' effort would have given Liverpool that all important away goal. Prior to that, Cech saved well from Riise blocking a close range effort. Other than a Cisse effort in the second half these efforts were the results of Liverpool's attacking endeavours. To be fair compared to Chelsea's attempts on goal, Liverpool fared extremely well and Dudek must have been pleasantly surprised that he was NOT called into action to make a save of any description. That was a disappointment. Not one save made by the visiting goalkeeper, although Chelsea did have TWO clear cut chances which were spurned by Drogba in the first instance and followed by Lampard.

Drogba, not for the first time this season, scuffed a shot across the goal after fine interplay, and poor old Eider was just a couple of feet away from getting a touch. But on twenty-two minutes, the chance of the match was missed by Super Frank. Gallas on probably his only foray upfield, sent in a beautiful cross, Coley met the ball and knocked a header straight into the danger area, and all Super Frank had to do was to blast the ball into the net from five yards out. Lamps DID blast the ball, but high and handsome over the bar.

Chelsea started the game without Duff who was out with a slight hamstring injury. Robben was on the bench and didn't come on until an hour was up. For all his contribution and the lack of service from his colleagues, he might just as well had stayed on the bench, that was the biggest disappointment for me, that Chelsea DID not utilise their biggest asset.

However Chelsea are still in this tie and if Jose is confident that Chelsea will get to the final, then that is good enough for me.

Next up. Bolton Wanderers and hopefully getting the win to be crowned Premiership Champions.

COME ON CHELSEA!

KEEP THE BLUE FLAG FLYING HIGH