Singapore 1-2 Thailand: post-match analysis

Singapore 1-2 Thailand: post-match analysis

AFF Suzuki Cup 2014 Group B Matchday 1

by editor Wong Yang

• 32,000 spectators for Singapore's opening game
• Poor defending disappoints both sides in first half
• Bernd Stange makes dubious decisions
• 87th minute penalty breaks deadlock and sinks Singapore

The Singapore players in their usual pre-match team huddle. (Photo by Wong Yang)

"Singapore, the Kallang Roar is back!" bellowed the National Stadium emcee, who was certainly not the only enthusiastic person in the stadium.

When the Singapore National Team walked onto the pitch, 32,000 fervent fans greeted them with thunderous cheers, excited to see their National Team return to the hallowed Kallang ground, where they have not played a competitive match since the demolishing of the old National Stadium in 2010. As the home fans sang a stirring rendition of Majulah Singapura, a cluster of fans in the section behind the Singapore goal unveiled an eye-catching banner that read, "This is Kallang", while another group of fans lifted a huge Singapore flag above their heads. It was the culmination of a week of hype for the Singapore football fraternity as they counted down the days to the start of Singapore's AFF Suzuki Cup campaign. However, their hope of seeing the home team, who are also the defending champions of the tournament, get off to a winning start was dented after Thailand converted an 87th minute penalty. 

Thailand (blue) in their 4-1-4-1 formation

Thailand coach Kiatisuk Senamuang opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation and made the surprising decision to leave star player Chanathip Songkrasin on the bench. The 21-year-old playmaker is nicknamed the "Thai Messi" for his dribbling and pace. Another player Senamuang left on the bench is 28-year-old defensive midfielder Adul Lasoh, who was given the captain's armband to lead a young Thailand squad in this tournament. Senamuang instead relied on Swiss-born Charyl Chappuis, Kroekrit Thaweekan, Mongkol Thosakrai, and Sarach Yooyen to further Thailand's cause in midfield. Playing as a lone striker upfront was Kirati Keawsombut, who is one of the senior members of the squad.

How Singapore lined-up v Thailand
(Create your own formation with footballuser.com)

Singapore's 4-3-3 and midfield triangle

Senamuang's counterpart Bernd Stange, who was chosen by the Football Association of Singapore to succeed three-time winner of the AFF Suzuki Cup Raddy Avramovic in May 2013, decided to field a 4-3-3 line-up. With striker Khairul Amri supported by tournament debutants Faris Ramli on the left and Sahil Suhaimi on the right, Stange played a midfield triangle formed by captain and attacking midfielder Shahril Ishak, along with central midfielders Hariss Harun and Shahdan Sulaiman.

Shahdan Sulaiman (marked by asterisk) turning around the defender
and the space that Hariss Harun can pass into

Fired-up by the support of the home fans, Singapore began the match on the front foot as they controlled the ball and prevented Thailand from winning possession. The creativity that Singapore's midfield triangle could produce was evident by the 6th minute, when defender Safuwan Bahrudin passed the ball in the direction of Shahdan Sulaiman, who intelligently played the dummy for the ball to arrive at Hariss Harun's feet. The set-piece specialist then swiftly turned around his defender, triggering a creative series of passes between Hariss, Shahril and himself. Shahril then executed the final move by attempting a lofted through ball to Shahdan, who by then had ran into the penalty box, but Thailand defender Atit Daosawang read the pass well and intercepted it.

Singapore's midfield triangle in action

Although Singapore's midfield triangle won the midfield battle, the Lions were unable to penetrate the Thai backline as their wingers' (Faris Ramli and Sahil Suhaimi) indecisiveness cost them in the final third. With the home side dominating possession, the visitors treasured their time on the ball and looked to quick passes to advance. However, the intense pressure that their hosts applied on them caused them to pass out of panic, which in turn lead to sloppy passing. 

Despite giving away the ball too easily, Thailand got their lucky break when they caught the Lions defence off guard through a throw-in. Thailand left-back Perapat Notechaiya threw the ball over an unwatchful Baihakki Khaizan for teammate Prakit Deeprom. The 26-year-old then took a comfortable first touch and drilled a low cross towards teammate Mongkol Tossakrai at the far post, whose presence was unknown to a ball-watching Shaiful Esah. Tossakrai cut behind Shaiful to score the opening goal on 9 minutes, as the Singapore fans looked on, shocked by their defence's lack of concentration.

Build-up to Thailand's goal - Pt 1
Baihakki Khaizan (marked by asterisk) caught off guard
Shaiful Esah (marked by star) seen ball-watching and out of position
(Thailand #2 Notechaiya threw the ball in)

Build-up to Thailand's goal - Pt 2
Tossakrai decided to cut behind Shaiful Esah, who is still ball-watching
Baihakki Khaizan failed to close down on Deeprom to prevent the cross

Build-up to Singapore's goal - Pt 1
Shaiful Esah gifted yards of space on the left flank

It was not long before the Singapore fans were hyped up again, as Thailand also suffered from dreadful defending. Upon receiving the ball on the left flank, left-back Shaiful Esah found himself with plenty of space to push the ball into as the Thai players lacked urgency on defence. As Shaiful made more progress down the left flank, Thai midfielder Chappuis decided to pressure him, but instead of really closing down on the Singaporean defender, he simply ran alongside him. That gave Shaiful the space and time to look up before executing a pinpoint cross to Khairul Amri, who made such a quick change in the direction of his run that his defender, Adison Promrak, was caught out of position. Amri confidently headed the ball into the back of the net for the equaliser, sending the 32,000 Singapore fans into a frenzy. 

Build-up to Singapore's goal - Pt 2
Khairul Amri's unpredictable change of direction, runs into drop zone
(yellow spot indicates his initial position)

Singapore fans celebrating Khairul Amri's goal (Video by Wong Yang)

Singapore's quick response to Thailand's first goal set them up with a momentum that would see them dominate the remainder of the first half. The home side pushed forward with energy and got into more threatening positions than their opponents did. The Lions' short passing and off-the-ball-movement saw them engage in a high energy style of play that seemed to stun their opponents, who were still trying to cope with Singapore's pressing. However, Singapore did not capitalise on that as lapses of concentration and their lack of composure in the attacking third saw players like Faris Ramli, Sahil Suhaimi and even captain Shahril Ishak commit mistakes like taking too heavy a touch or passing into no man's land. As half time approached, it became evident that a second goal for Singapore was not to be. Shahril volleyed wastefully over the bar, while Faris mishandled a splendid through ball played to him and then fired a powerful shot straight at the Thai keeper, who saved the shot with considerable ease.

Half-time at the National Stadium

Meanwhile, Singapore's experienced defender Baihakki Khaizan seemed to be losing his head, as he picked up a yellow card for an unnecessary tackle and then dangerously brought down Thai midfielder Thaweekan. Eventually, Singapore coach Stange decided to bring Baihakki, who would be replaced by midfielder Zulfahmi Arifin, off at half-time. The fact that Singapore had no central defenders on the bench suggests that Stange deems his central defence pairing of Baihakki and Safuwan reliable, but in the heat of the moment, he failed to trust Baihakki's experience and ability to compose himself, and that turned out to be a huge game-changer.

With a defender swapped for a midfielder, Stange instructed midfielder Hariss Harun to drop back into central defence. This move meant that Hariss would no longer be in the midfield triangle that had allowed Singapore to control the game. Capable as Hariss proved to be in central defence, his absence in midfield saw the Lions' lose their dynamic style of play. He was no longer in a position to trigger intelligent plays between Shahdan, Shahril and himself, or thread long-range passes to striker Amri and the wingers. Substitute Zulfahmi found himself in shoes that were too big to fill, as he struggled to retain possession and made poor decisions. The midfield triangle was no longer the fast unit that moved in tandem; it became a static trio that failed to connect. Just like that, the home team lost the midfield battle.

The Thais began the second half with the same team that ended the first. With Singapore losing control of the midfield and pressing with less intensity, the War Elephants had more time on the ball and passed with more confidence. Thai midfielders Chappuis, Yooyen, Thaweekan and Tossakai stringed together clever passes. Chappuis and Tossakai, in particular, made tireless runs with and without the ball, penetrating the Singapore defence with their direct approach and forcing many saves out of Singapore custodian Hassan Sunny. However, Thailand's own defence remained fragile - just 5 minutes into the second half, centre-half Praweenwat Boonyong tried to play the ball to his central midfielders but ended up giving away the ball cheaply to Shahril Ishak.  Shahril made a one-touch pass to Khairul Amri who was on the edge of the penalty area with space in front of him, but the fourth official caught him just offside, much to Boonyong's relief. Moments later, the Thai defence failed to clear a lobbed through ball from Shahdan to Shahril, who attempted a volley but mistimed his kick. Time and time again, the visitors escaped from threatening situations unscathed due to Singapore's poor finishing.

Nicknamed the "Thai Messi", Chanathip Songkrasin was left on the bench
and finally brought on in the 64th minute (Photo by Bangkok Post)

After the 60-minute mark, Senamuang brought on 1.8m-tall striker Adisak Kraisorn for Keawsombut, and then replaced Deeprom with star player Songkrasin. With Kraisorn and Songkrasin in the fray, Thailand's attacking threat grew. Songkrasin made surging runs and eased his way around the Singapore defenders with his slick dribbling, before passing the ball to Kraisorn, who would hold the ball up with his back towards the goal before turning to shoot. It took desperate defending from Hariss and Safuwan to deny the pair, who looked increasingly unstoppable as the second half progressed. 

On the other hand, Bernd Stange made only one substitution at the 60th minute mark, opting to bring on Shakir Hamzah to replace Shaiful Esah, who created Singapore's equaliser. It was strange that Stange did not bring on any midfielders or wingers at that moment, especially since it had been 15 minutes since the start of the second half and it was clear that his team lacked control of the midfield while some of his players in attack looked tired. By the 85th minute mark, both teams still had not broken the deadlock, and Stange substituted Gabriel Quak, who happens to be the only Chinese player in the Singapore squad, for Sahil Suhaimi. Despite the substitution, things got worse for the Lions.

In the 87th minute, goalscorer Mongkol Thosakrai craftily drew the Singapore defenders to him before laying off the ball for teammate Chappuis on the right flank. With the space that Thosakrai had created for him, Chappuis drilled a hopeful cross into the box that ended up hitting Safuwan Bahrudin's outstretched right arm. It was a chilling scene for the Singapore supporters present, and also one that was in full view of referee Faghani Alireza Mohd, who immediately pointed to the spot for a penalty. The Singapore side watched in disbelief while their Thai counterparts pumped their fists in ecstasy. Almost without delay, Chappuis calmly stepped up to the spot and fired the penalty in the bottom left corner of the net. Hassan Sunny jumped the right way, but Chappuis's shot was far too powerful and Singapore found themselves trailing with just a few minutes of play remaining.

Safuwan Bahrudin's outstretched arm making contact with the ball

Five minutes of stoppage time were given, but Singapore simply could not equalise, and it was full-time before they knew it. 

The result sends Singapore to the bottom of the group table while Thailand lead with three points following Malaysia and Myanmar's stalemate at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

Bernd Stange's decisions were questionable, but the Singapore players have themselves to blame for their lack of composure and disappointing finishing. Thailand, however, will be thrilled to have begun their AFF Suzuki Cup campaign with a vital win over the defending champions on their own turf.

Singapore face former coach Raddy Avramovic's Myanmar side on Wednesday, while the War Elephants meet Singapore's Causeway rivals Malaysia on the same day.

Singapore v Myanmar prediction: 2-0
Malaysia v Thailand prediction: 0-3

Kallang Wave before the match kicked off - even the fans still finding their seats joined in! (Video by Wong Yang)

(Television screenshots were of FOX Sports's coverage of the match)

How Far Can France Go in the World Cup?

How Far Can France Go in the World Cup?

by assistant editor Ervin Ang

How quickly things can change in football. Just last November, France were defeated 2-0 by Ukraine in the playoffs. Hopes of qualifying for the World Cup were looking bleak, with many of the French faithful preparing for the worst of missing out at Brazil. Against the odds though, Les Bleus managed to turn the tie around in the second leg with a 3-0 victory, in Paris.

Consider France's results at the past few tournaments.

USA 1994 - Did not qualify

France 1998 - Winners

Korea/Japan 2002 - Group Stage (Failed to score a single goal)

Germany 2006 - 1st Runners Up

South Africa 2010 - Group Stage

Write off France at your peril. With respect to the World Cup, it has been a rollercoaster ride. Didier Deschamps's side will still be haunted by their abysmal showing at South Africa 4 years ago, but how far they can progress at Brazil will largely depend on the players. Will Deschamps bring a team motivated to overcome the demons of South Africa, determined to follow in the footsteps of legends like Zinedine Zidane and Lillian Thruam, or will we see a repeat of the horror show of the previous tournament?

Drawn in Group E, probably one of the easiest groups of the eight, France suddenly find themselves in a position to progress far at Brazil in an amazing change of fortunes. The French will play Honduras, followed by Switzerland, wrapping up against Ecuador. On paper, it seems that France would easily breeze past as group winners, and they do indeed possess the quality to beat all three sides. However, if France lapse into complacency, there's always a chance for them to slip up. Assuming France do qualify top of Group E, a possible clash against Bosnia Herzegovina or Nigeria, recently crowned kings of Africa, awaits them. Indeed, difficult opponents, but beatable. Playing in their first ever World Cup, Bosnia might be plagued with a lack of experience, whilst Nigeria are capable of causing an upset. However, France will certainly be labelled as the favourites should they meet either of these 2 teams in the Round of 16. On to the Quarter-Finals, should everything go according to script for France, comes their first real test, a potential clash against hot favourites Germany.

The Germans will go into the game with huge pressure on them, to win a trophy. Germany has not won a major title since Euro 1996, and for a nation used to international success that is an unacceptable trophy drought. This pressure for Die Mannschaft could ultimately work in France's favour, as the onus would be on the Germans to win the game. It remains to be seen if the Germans are mentally strong enough to win. France would go into this clash as the underdogs, but as the saying goes, "Football is played on grass, not on paper", where the result could go either way in an extremely tight game with small margin for error. One small mistake could possibly hand victory to the other team in an even contest.

Should France clear the major hurdle of overcoming Germany, a likely clash against the Selecao beckons for them. Brazil would go into the match as overwhelming favourites, despite having a poor record against France in World Cup meetings. Brazil lost to France on penalties in 1986, in the final 1998, and more recently in 2006 at the quarter final stage. Once again, being the underdogs would suit the French though it would take a huge effort to overcome the Brazilians, as the latter would have home advantage, cheered on by the thousands of passionate Brazil fans. If everything goes to planned, without a single blip, France would likely face Argentina or Spain in the final. Although many respectable pundits doubt they can progress this far, anything can happen in a final.

It might seem a fanciful notion that France could get this far and many things would be required to fall in place for Les Bleus to reach the final or even win the World Cup. But what France have though, is a fantastic combination of talented youth & experience. If Deschamps is able to bring them together, allowing everyone to play to the best of their abilities, France have a unit that is certainly capable of going far in this year's edition of the World Cup.

Albeit having barely qualified through the playoffs, Deschamps has a plethora of options to choose from. Youngsters like Raphael Varane, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann will be looking to make their mark at the international stage, with the trio already attracting interest from many top clubs. In goal, Les Bleus will have one of the best sweeper-keepers in the modern day game at their disposal, in the form of captain Hugo Lloris. At the heart of the defence, Patrice Evra possesses the experience and leadership qualities required to lead the team, motivating the players to push on and fight for every ball. Up top, no doubt the loss of Ribery would be a massive blow for France, but Les Bleus have a readymade replacement in Griezmann. European Cup winner Karim Benzema will likely start as first choice centre forward, ably supported by Olivier Giroud and Loic Remy, who after a troubled season due to injury will provide a tremendous option as a wildcard off the bench with his pace to stretch defences.

Perhaps one of France's key weapons to progress to the final stages of the tournament lies in their rock solid midfield unit. The trio of Blaise Matuidi, Yohan Cabaye and Paul Pogba have formed a solid partnership and is arguably one of the most talented midfield in the entire tournament. Although critics may argue that France's midfield lack a creative maestro comparable to the likes of Italy's magician Andrea Pirlo or Spain's Xavi Hernandez, what matters most is that the talented trio function superbly as a unit. The three midfielders are multi talented and extremely combative. Not only do Matuidi, Cabaye and Pogba all possess fantastic technical ability and distribution skills, they also boast great stamina, a willingness to break up play and an excellent physical presence. Matuidi is an exceptional all-round talent, while Cabaye is the brains behind the three, using his brilliant vision to distribute the ball and create from deep. Pogba is the driving force of the unit, being one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world, allowing play to switch from defense to attack swiftly. Similar to PSG, the trio offers Les Bleus the chance to gain control of the ball and start to dictate the pace of the game. Together, they make up a formidable trio, and it is impressive how little time it has taken for the trio to adapt to each other and strike up a strong understanding.

On the surface, it might seem tough for France to go all the way at Brazil. Most probably, they would fall short in the quarter-finals and exit at the hands of Germany or to Brazil in the semi-finals. The success of Deschamps in bringing the best out of his three-man midfield, ensuring that they continue to exert the same level of authority on games that they have enjoyed in the buildup to the tournament, would prove vital in France's bid for glory at Brazil. If the squad moves in the right direction, with key players like Benzema, Pogba & Griezmann hitting top form and Deschamps getting his tactics spot on, there's no reason why France cannot make a decent push for the latter stages in the tournament. 

Shaping Up - The Premier League title race

Shaping up - The Premier League title race

by editor Wong Yang and assistant editor Ervin Ang

After their 0-2 defeat by Chelsea, Liverpool are still at the top of the table with 80 points with Chelsea trailing two points behind. However, Manchester City threaten a game in hand and currently hold 77 points and superior goal difference. FootballMania gives you a brief preview of the upcoming matches for the three title contenders Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea as the title race intensifies. 

In the weeks to come…

Everton v Manchester City - 
Saturday, May 3

Everton have a chance to lend their Merseyside neighbours Liverpool a hand when they face Manchester City this Saturday at Goodison Park. Roberto Martinez’s men have fallen behind Arsenal in the chase for fourth with poor performances in their last few fixtures, but they are sure to come out determined in front of their home fans to reignite their hopes of playing Champions League football. The game will be the toughest match that any of the three title contenders face.

Chelsea v Norwich - Sunday, May 4

Chelsea return to Premier League action after playing Atletico Madrid at home in their Champions League semi-final second leg match on Wednesday. Norwich most recently suffered a 4-0 thrashing by a rejuvenated Manchester United squad led by caretaker manager Ryan Giggs, and the Londoners can count on the fact that Norwich will give their all in their efforts to evade relegation. Chelsea may barely scrape past the Canaries at home as they have a horrendous away record.

Crystal Palace v Liverpool - Monday, May 5

Crystal Palace have impressed in the past month especially with their 1-0 victory over Chelsea in late March. Sitting in mid-table, Palace have nothing to play for, making the match simpler for Liverpool. The match will be test of how the Liverpool players can calm their nerves and keep their head in the game.

Manchester City v Aston Villa - Wednesday, May 7

City’s elusive game in hand will be played in midweek against an Aston Villa side that recently shocked Chelsea 1-0. Aston Villa, like Norwich, are desperate to keep clear of the relegation zone but City will be confident playing at the Etihad and should have an easy win over Paul Lambert’s Villa side to gain the vital three points.

The day that all will be decided - Sunday, May 11

Cardiff v Chelsea

Chelsea will end their season with an away match against Cardiff, who have battled hard in their attempt to stay clear from relegation. The Blues are expected to comfortably ease past Cardiff whether or not they are still in the title race two weeks from now as they would still be two points behind Liverpool or City should the other two title contenders record wins in their remaining matches.

Manchester City v West Ham

City should more or less sweep the London side which had suffered a 9-0 thumping by the very same opponents earlier this year. In the minds of City and their fans would be the nerving yet triumphant final day of the 2011/2012 Premier League season on which they defeated resilient Queens Park Rangers 3-2 thanks to late goals from Dzeko and Aguero, sending them to the top of the table over rivals Manchester United on goal difference to be crowned champions of that season. Pellegrini shall hope that his side will not play like they did against QPR on that fateful day.

Liverpool v Newcastle

The Reds have a chance to lift the English Premier League title in front of their fans at Anfield should they somehow overcome City’s superior goal difference. However, Newcastle are an organised and considerably decent side that Liverpool have to be wary of even with the strong backing of the Kop. 

Once Manchester City wins the toughest match that any of the three contenders are involved in - their trip to Goodison Park for their match against Everton - they will be in the driving seat to win the 2013/14 English Premier League. City can win their game in hand and they will be level on points with Liverpool but separated by their higher goal difference. Chelsea may only be crowned champions if they win their remaining matches and City and Liverpool both suffer at least one loss. Should one of City or Liverpool's remaining matches end in a draw, Chelsea, having a lower goal difference than both their rivals, will still be unable to win the title. It is now more or less certain that the race to the title will be won either by Manuel Pellegrini's Manchester City or Brendan Rodger's Liverpool. The ending of this season's Premier League story could very well be settled on the final day, just as it did two years ago in dramatic fashion.

Premier League table as of 29/4/2014

Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea: post-match analysis

Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea: post-match analysis 
by editor Wong Yang and assistant editor Ervin Ang

Hopes dented, disappointment entered the scene. Jose Mourinho, with his renowned bag of tricks, led his London side to a stunning 2-0 victory over Premier League title hopefuls Liverpool. When the team lineups were announced, the answer to whether Mourinho would indeed field a weaker squad came to light. John Terry, Petr Cech, Gary Cahill, David Luiz, Ramires, Oscar, Samuel Eto’o and PFA Young Player of the Year winner Eden Hazard were not in the Blues’ lineup. Yet, a team of experience and strength, besides Premier League debutant defender Tomas Kalas, was fielded by Mourinho who once again played mind games. Liverpool named an unchanged team, albeit without the suspended Jordan Henderson and an unfit Daniel Sturridge who was left on the bench. As the Liverpool fans sang their club anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with the same passion and gusto that has inspired their team to victories throughout the season, Mourinho took his seat in front of the Anfield faithful with a look of confidence despite the intimidation from the fanatic crowd. Ninety-minutes later, the world finally knew why he seemed so calm.

On paper, many pundits predicted a straight forward Liverpool victory. However, Mourinho had other ideas. Liverpool started the game on the front foot, dominating possession and passing in Chelsea’s half in search of an early goal that would ultimately give them the momentum to control the first half of the game. However, as minutes flew by, it became evident that Chelsea were determined not to concede an early goal to the home team. 

Playing for stoppages and through time-wasting, Chelsea successfully disrupted any form of rhythm that Liverpool could find in the game. The Londoners took forever to make goal-kicks, free-kicks and throw-ins -executing Mourinho’s sly tactics. Sly as Chelsea’s time-wasting tactics may have been, the Blues presented an incredibly well-organised defence, forever outnumbering the Reds when they made their advances towards goal. With Chelsea’s spot-on defensive efforts, the Merseyside team failed to find the space to spark off the imaginative runs and passes that have empowered them to overwhelm many teams this season. In fact, it was the away side that had the first chance of the match, trouncing on the counter-attack, with Ashley Cole driving a powerful shot at Mignolet, who managed to palm the ball to safety, much to the home crowd’s relief. At the other end, a Liverpool corner saw a chance created for left-footed Mamadou Sakho, who only managed to blast wastefully over the bar with his weaker right foot. He was the wrong man at the right place at the right time. 

Adding to Liverpool’s misfortunes, Reds skipper Steven Gerrard - of all people - miscontrolled a ball played to him by Sahko and slipped over, allowing a pouncing Demba Ba to snatch the ball away before pacing further upfield to skillfully slot the ball between Simon Mignolet’s legs, putting the visitors up 0-1. Gerrard, visibly distraught, could only look on and those watching were still in shock that the ever-cautious and nerveless captain had made a blunder that sent Liverpool one goal down. With a final minute of stoppage time in the first half left to play, the Liverpool fans began chanting Gerrard’s name with songs of admiration, but a quick Liverpool equaliser was not to be and Gerrard agonisingly walked off the pitch when referee Martin Atkinson sounded the half-time whistle. As the teams returned to the dressing rooms for their half-time break, questions surfaced over whether Liverpool could overcome their one-goal deficit, a situation that they have rarely found themselves in for a season where they have consistently dominated the first-half of their matches.

Liverpool emerged from the tunnel earlier than the visitors, visibly determined to make a come-from-behind victory. The Reds began attacking with more urgency, while Chelsea played hard to hold on to their slender lead. Despite having the lion’s share of possession, Liverpool could not find their way around the Chelsea defenseto convert opportunities into goals. Long-range shots were attempted by Gerrard, Allen, Coutinho and Suarez but none of Brendan Rodger’s men could really test the alert Mark Schwarzer. 

The Reds grew increasingly frustrated by their futile attempts on goal and the stubborn Chelsea defense continued to contain the home team. In their desperation to equalise, the Liverpool players’ focus suddenly withered, with the likes of Coutinho making sloppy passes and dribbling errors. The Reds were unimaginative in making runs and in taking shots while the atmosphere around Anfield was one of frustration. Suarez lofted a ball towards Schwarzer that lacked power and accuracy. Coutinho passed too far ahead of Glen Johnson, who was clearly irked by his teammate’s mispass. As if to reignite some hope amongst the Liverpool fans, Rodgers allowed Daniel Sturridge to replace Lucas in what was a substitution in favour of the attack. However, Liverpool’s every cross and every shot was blocked or cleared by the gritty Chelsea defense which looked more and more like a fortress. In response, the Reds constantly poured men forward, desperate to tie the game and Gerrard and Allen forced fine saves from Cheslea custodian Schwarzer, but the Liverpool players were still unable to craft chances in the congested Chelsea box. As the minutes ticked by, the Londoners persisted with their time-wasting techniques andx the notion of a loss at home began to loom over Liverpool. Suarez had one last chance in added time when the ball found its way to his feet, but Schwarzer quickly punched his volley over the crossbar. Liverpool were awarded with a slew of corners in stoppage time as Chelsea held on, clearing Liverpool’s hopeful long balls and desperate shots.

As the final whistle was about to be sounded, Chelsea put the dagger in Liverpool’s heart after Torres was sent free with not a single Liverpool defender in front of him as the Reds risky tactic of sending everyone forward finally saw them pay the price. With only Mignolet to beat, Torres selflessly set up Willian to tap the ball into the net for Chelsea’s second goal, a goal that sent Liverpool into greater anguish. A jubilant Mourinho ran down the touchline, celebrating as if he had won the Premier League, but that is not to say that he did not have reason to celebrate. In what was a highly-anticipated match, Mourinho showed off his position as a tactical mastermind.

Many football fans may argue that Mourinho played boring football, killing the beautiful game with defensive tactics. Brendan Rodgers was one to lament Mourinho’s tactics, commenting “We just couldn't find the breakthrough. There were two buses parked today, never mind one”. Like it or not, Mourinho’s defensive tactics worked like a charm. The Blues put up an impressive defensive performance and ultimately won the psychological side of the game through time-wasting. The young Kalas and Ivanovic made vital blocks and cleared dangerous crosses to deny Liverpool of any solid chance of scoring a goal. Liverpool must certainly get used to the fact that as the league leaders, teams they face will sit in defence, no matter how frustrating it may be for the Reds.

The win sent Chelsea two points behind Liverpool, who still top the table, but are threatened by a Manchester City side that is only three points behind them - after their 0-2 triumph over Crystal Palace - with a game in hand and superior goal difference.

Premier League table as of 29/4/2014

Nabil Bentaleb: The Rise of an Algerian Star

Nabil Bentaleb: The Rise of an Algerian Star
by assistant editor Ervin Ang

(@DieHardCFCFan on twitter) - feedback/comments much appreciated

It was a dream come true for Nabil Bentaleb at Tottenham, where he finally made his mark. Released by Lille at the tender age of 14, just at a time when a young boy starts dreaming of becoming a professional footballer, it was a massive blow to him.

“It has been a difficult path for me to get to where I am today,” the Spurs central midfielder said.

When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Having joined the Tottenham's academy after a successful trial in January, 2012, the young Algerian starlet has gone on to rise through the ranks at White Hart Lane. He has progressed from strength to strength, making 14 appearances for the Spurs Under-21s last season. In August, most supporters would have known Bentaleb as simply one of the club’s promising youth prospects. A few months later, and after the arrival of over £100million of fresh talent in the summer, no one would have expected him to command a regular spot in Tottenham’s midfield.

On 22^nd December 2013, Bentaleb finally made his first ever Premier League appearance for the North London outfit, coming in an away game against Southampton. He came off the bench to replace Moussa Dembele on the 50^th minute mark. Tottenham won the game 3-2. Manager Tim Sherwood's faith in the midfield maestro was duly rewarded.

The summer signings of Paulinho, Etienne Capoue and Christian Eriksen to join the likes of Sandro, Dembele and Gylfi Sigurdsson in the Spurs squad meant that competition for the central midfield positions would be fierce. However, Bentaleb went on to start seven out of the next eight games following his debut, despite the intense competition for positions. When entrusted with a first team role, Bentaleb delivered, putting in spectacular performances, announcing his arrival to the physically demanding Premier League with style.

Bentaleb made his full league debut in a home game against Crystal Palace on January 11^th 2014. He completed an impressive 97 passes (93% accuracy). Bentaleb's played like a seasoned veteran rather than an inexperienced debutant. He adapted to the pace of the game swiftly, becoming increasingly accustomed to his midfield responsibilities. In addition, the young talent also has an eye for goal, with his two attempts in the match coming close (one cannoned off the post and across the line, the other well parried by Palace custodian Julian Speroni). His brilliant display has earned praised from the man that first provided him with the opportunity to shine himself, Tim Sherwood.

"He’s a top player and ready to play. I knew he was ready," Sherwood commented following Spurs' 2-0 win against Crystal Palace.

"I know what the boy is capable of doing, I know the Premier League better than any of our players so I know what's required, I know the demands. I knew he had the qualities to be able to do it. If I don’t think they (the younger players) are ready, they won’t even be on the bench. I was convinced he wasn’t going to be fazed and give us a performance of energy and responsibility, ” the former head of youth development at Spurs added.

Credits: EMPICS Sport

In that respect, Tim Sherwood is probably right. What Bentaleb adds to Tottenham's plethora of midfield options is his energy, drive and composure on the ball. Whenever he receives the ball, Nabil is always fully composed, either trying to create an attacking play by playing a through ball to a teammate, or simply taking the sting out of the game by retaining possession, passing it back and to the side. Bentaleb's sudden rise to prominence is attributed to his fantastic qualities whether on or off the ball, by making that intelligent run to start a play, or by playing a confident pass to his teammates. In fact, Bentaleb has completed 88% of his passes in the Premier League so far this season, the second highest of Tottenham’s midfielders. The intelligent midfielder provides the youthful spark that Tottenham needs, and his contribution is always vital with his efficiency on the ball. The young midfielder does make mistakes at times though, misplacing a pass every now and then which may lead to a goal, or by venturing too far forward at times, exposing the midfield. However, Nabil is still a talent in the making and young, so he still has room for improvement.

And of course, Nabil Bentaleb is not quite yet the finished article. This extremely talented young Algerian midfield maestro has bags of potential, only showing glimpses of his talent in his 14 appearances so far this season. To the majority of fans, he might not be a well-known player yet, but that will certainly change in the years to come. Further guidance will be required though, as many more challenges await for this exciting young Algerian.