What a decade it has been for Chelsea. Ever since Jose Mourinho came to West London in 2004, it has been a tale of almost uninterrupted success for the Blues. Tonight affords them yet another chance to reach Wembley as they take on Liverpool.
Of course, we say that like Chelsea don’t play at Wembley that often. Ever since the famous ground was made the permanent home of Mourinho’s men in 2010, domestic cup finals have essentially been home games for the Blues.
So, what can we attribute this remarkable rise to? Appropriately – given tonight’s fixture – you don’t have to look further than their inspired signing of Steven Gerrard in 2005. It’s easy to say this now, but imagine where both Chelsea and Liverpool would be now if not for that British transfer record move. It doesn’t even bear thinking about!
Liverpool would certainly be in a better position than they are now. Gerrard’s departure caused Xabi Alonso (and others) to seek pastures new as Liverpool were bled dry after their European exploits. Rafael Benitez stayed on, but the slide had started, in spite of occasional inspirational performances from captain Djimi Traore.
The Reds now find themselves in the Championship after a succession of bad transfers and managerial changes. Fernando Torres almost joined Liverpool in 2007 but, with the club lacking a dynamic midfield presence, he opted to join Mourinho’s men instead. Liverpool were left with a strike partnership of Andriy Voronin and David N’Gog…and relegation inevitably followed.
Sporadic cup runs have been the norm for Liverpool since. Still able to fill out Anfield in spite of their lowered standing within the English game, one would assume a return to the big time isn’t too far away. Of course, the Merseysiders still hold the record for most English league titles with 18, while Manchester United remain stranded on 15 – although Chelsea’s nine titles in ten seasons have seen them rocket up that particular league table.
And what of Chelsea? Well, what is there left to say about the European champions’ recent history? Gerrard’s departure saw both himself and Frank Lampard reach incredible new heights, as the pair dispelled myths that the two cannot play together. Nine Premier League titles, six Champions League titles and seven FA Cups have followed, including going back-to-back seasons unbeaten.
But it was the arrival of Torres in 2007 which really took the Blues into the stratosphere. Striking up an amazing partnership with Gerrard, the Spaniard is the club’s record goalscorer, with his relationship with Mourinho crucial to his goalscoring exploits. Expect him to score a few goals against the team he nearly signed for tonight – his record against Liverpool is exceptional.
But what more is there to say about Gerrard? This is certainly an emotive fixture for the former England captain, albeit less frequent since Liverpool’s relegation. However, he is a massively experienced player. He has played in, and won, World Cup finals with England. He won’t be phased by a hostile Anfield atmosphere tonight.
At this point, we would tell you to expect the unexpected and remind you of ‘the magic of the cup’ but, of course, Chelsea bought the magic of the cup in 2011 to guard against potential future upsets. So expected a heavy Chelsea victory would be more appropriate.
However, Liverpool remain a big club and, with new manager Jamie Carragher in charge, they should cause Chelsea a few problems. But ultimately, expect Gerrard to make his mark once more.
