3 things we learned from Chelsea’s 2-1 win at Liverpool

The match between Chelsea and Liverpool was always going to be heated. In addition to extracting revenge for the Reds’ rather embarrassing defeat at Anfield last season, Liverpool had to compensate for some rather tepid recent results, including last week’s loss to Newcastle. Chelsea, meanwhile, had yet to lose in the league, and were determined to not let that streak end against what’s become a rather toothless Liverpool side.

Instead, the Blues helped Liverpool to an early lead. Emre Can was given plenty of space to send in a shot, although it was not, perhaps, the best strike, and Thibult Courtois looked well-positioned to save. But the ball took a wicked deflection off Gary Cahill, ultimately sailing into the back of the net.

But Cahill wasted little time in redeeming himself. From a corner, John Terry headed on, but Simon Mignolet was well positioned to save. This time, the ball bounced off Nemanja Matic. Although Mignolet was able to scoop Cahill’s resulting rebound into his arms, the goalkeeper fell back, carrying the ball across the line.

It’s true. Goal-line technology said so.

Right from the restart, Chelsea seemed in control, carrying the majority of possession and making the Liverpool defense nervous. The go-ahead goal seemed inevitable, really. This time, it was César Azpilicueta who left Glen Johnson for dust, but his shot was palmed away by Mignolet. It fell to Diego Costa, who had no trouble converting it despite a tight angle, driving his shot in past the near post.

Brendan Rodgers was quick to respond, sending on both Fabio Borini and Joe Allen -- but at the same time, pulling off Can and Philippe Coutinho, the latter who’d been having a quietly excellent game. With no equalizer in sight, off came Mario Balotelli, replaced by Rickie Lambert. While Allen was able to inject a little spice into the game, Liverpool fans must be truly depressed over the players considered to be game-changers in their squad.

Minutes before the end, Cahill nearly made his mark on the match once more. Steven Gerrard put in a decent shot, blocked by the Chelsea defender. Replays showed that calls for a handball were justified, as Cahill handled the ball inside the box. At least Liverpool will have outrage on their side, right?

goals: Can 9’

goals: Cahill 14’, Costa 67’

Eden Hazard should’ve had two goals. Both times, the Liverpool defender managed to block. Of course, this is really more about the fact that the Belgian needs to turn it up a notch. While he was easily able to skin Johnson and get down the flanks, his shots left something to be desired. While Costa can win the games, Chelsea are only truly great when Hazard is firing as well.

And not one of the poorly constructed ones, either. He’s apparently inherited one of the Hallows, and used it to great effect against Liverpool. For the majority of the first half, Ramires simply faded away, stretching Chelsea out of shape and leaving Cesc Fàbregas flailing as he attempted to close the space between him and Nemanja Matic. José Mourinho wasted little time changing things after the break, replacing Ramires with Willian in the 53rd minute.

Sorry, Liverpool fans, but Touré wasn’t really that great against Real Madrid. He used his keister to block a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo, sure, but he was also responsible for Karim Benzema’s goal. Perhaps the raves are due to the fact that he’s not Dejan Lovren? The Croatian once again looked utterly out of his depth, making us wonder just how many of those “Biggest transfer flops” lists he’ll find his way on to.