Chelsea and Liverpool are tied up at 0-0 in their Carling Cup clash, but that doesn't mean that the game has been boring. There's been plenty happening and plenty of tough decisions for referee Phil Dowd to make. To his credit, he's got them all absolutely spot on, but Liverpool don't have a lead despite the two biggest decisions in the game going in their favor.
Chelsea Vs. Liverpool, 2011 Carling Cup Quarterfinals: Halftime, 0-0 In Eventful Match
In the third minute, David Luiz was shown a yellow card for diving in the penalty area. During one of his trademark surging runs forward, Sebastian Coates appeared to make contact with him, but the replay clearly shows a dive by Luiz.
Liverpool would have the other big decision go their way in the 21st minute, when Chelsea defender Alex was shown a yellow card for a clear handball in the box. Andy Carroll stepped up to take the penalty, but hit it right at Ross Turnbull, who made a save.
Chelsea have already had to make a substitution, with Josh McEachran coming off injured in the 40th minute, replaced by Ramires. Though injuries are always bad news, the sub might benefit Chelsea. Lucas Leiva has absolutely dominated in the midfield and Chelsea were going to have to make an eventual change in that area of the pitch.
We’ll have coverage of this and every Carling Cup game in our Carling Cup Quarterfinals StoryStream. For more on the two teams, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain’t Got No History and Liverpool blog Anfield Asylum. Head over to SB Nation Soccer for more around the entire world of football.
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