Liverpool vs. Chelsea 4-1

Liverpool and Chelsea on May 8th, 2012 will forever be etched in the annals of football history. The scoreline of 4-1 in favor of Liverpool not only highlighted their dominance over their rivals but also showcased the sheer brilliance of their gameplay.

From the first whistle, it was evident that Liverpool meant business. Their attacking prowess was on full display as they relentlessly pressed Chelsea's defense. The opening goal came from an exquisite long-range strike by Jordan Henderson, leaving Chelsea's goalkeeper with no chance.

Debates over Trent Alexander-Arnold's best position in this Liverpool team will rumble on, but right now, it's difficult to make a case for the England international not to be moved into midfield given the form Conor Bradley has shown while covering at right-back.

Chelsea on Wednesday, he was superb, as he netted his first Reds goal and assisted two more in the Premier League leaders' 4-1 win over the Blues on Merseyside.

Liverpool made a fast start as Darwin Nunez hit the crossbar and saw a shot tipped onto the post by Chelsea goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic, but the hosts were perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty when Conor Gallagher was clipped by Virgil van Dijk in the box.

Diogo Jota then powered through the Chelsea defence to fire Liverpool ahead, before Conor Bradley produced a stunning finish to double their lead with his first goal for the club. It could have been three at half-time had Nunez then converted a penalty, but the striker hit the post again.

Mauricio Pochettino made a triple change at the break but despite a brief improvement, Liverpool made it three as Bradley set up Dominik Szoboszlai’s header in front of the Kop. Christopher Nkunku pulled one back with his first Chelsea goal, and then could have had a penalty when Van Dijk clipped him from behind.

Liverpool put five goals past Norwich to win 5-2 and they could easily have had as many in a dominant first half against Chelsea, with the unfortunate Nunez striking the woodwork three times.

But the night belonged to the exceptional Bradley, who once again rose to the occasion despite the presence of fellow full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench, and he was deservedly given a standing ovation when he went off in the second half.

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Sarah H

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