Terry keeps Chelsea’s title hopes alive

Blues clinch crucial win in stoppage time.

LONDON:

John Terry’s stoppage-time goal handed Chelsea a crucial 1-0 victory against Everton, helping the team cement their lead at the top of the Premier League Saturday.

After 90 minutes of toil but little creativity from Jose Mourinho’s side, it was the old combination of Terry and Frank Lampard that made the breakthrough with just two minutes of stoppage-time remaining when the former steered in the latter’s free kick from close-range.

Terry’s heroics on his return from a hip injury were harsh on Everton, who had their share of possession and chances at Stamford Bridge but still left empty-handed.

Chelsea’s win moved them four points clear of second placed Arsenal, who can close the gap with a victory over Sunderland later Saturday.

Roberto Martinez had lost on all four of his previous Premier League trips to Stamford Bridge and the Everton manager’s hopes of breaking that curse were not helped when Ivory Coast striker Lacina Traore suffered a hamstring injury in the warm-up.

His place in attack was taken by Steven Naismith but there was no place in the starting line-up for Ross Barkley.

Rodgers wants team to be ruthless

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has urged his players to continue to be ruthless at Anfield ahead of the visit of former club Swansea City Sunday.

The Reds, who occupy fourth spot, have been imperious at home this season, winning 11 of their 13 Premier League games and scoring 38 goals in the process.

Supporters at Anfield have been treated to thumping 5-1 and 4-0 victories over Arsenal and Everton in their last two home games, and Rodgers does not want there to be any let up as they try to keep pace with leaders Chelsea.

“Our approach is very aggressive,” Rodgers said. “We go into every game, and in particular our home games, looking to own the pitch.

“It’s our home ground. It’s our changing rooms, it’s our field and it’s our supporters. So we have to play like we own it.”

“That’s always been the mantra here for many, many years. It’s one that we go in thinking about ourselves.”

“We respect the opponent that we play - every game at this level is tough. But we back ourselves now and we expect to win.”

“I think it’s dealing with that pressure, which has really helped. We’ve got good organisation.”

“Everyone knows their function in the team and everyone is working tirelessly in order to achieve the results.”

Liverpool are expected to recall midfielder Jordan Henderson to their starting line-up after he was rested in the FA Cup fifth round defeat at Arsenal.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 23^rd, 2014.

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