14 Clearances And An Interception: How Skrtel Made It Hard For Chelsea In Blues’ 2-1 Win Over Liverpool

Chelsea are quietly going about their business in the Premier League. Jose Mourinho has got the Blues ticking along nicely and they now sit just two points off the top of the table. Yesterday they beat Liverpool at home, but it was a tight game and they struggled to get the better over the Reds’ star player, Martin Skrtel.

The bustling Slovakian was as solid as ever at the back for Liverpool, but he also got himself on the scoresheet. His close-range finish after three minutes opened the scoring and set his side up well as the game went on.

Two Chelsea goals in the first half changed that though, despite a sterling individual display from Skrtel.

During the game he completed 14 clearances, won half of the six headers he went up for and made one crucial interception deep inside his own box.

Although Skrtel didn’t make a single tackles in the game, his positioning and desire to squeeze opponents off the ball was brilliant to watch, as was the way he led his team from the back.

Not only do Liverpool look like an organised unit, but the power from the backline really benefits the more nimble players, and they don’t come more bullish than Skrtel.