Raheem Sterling Shows Benefits of His Rest with Stunning Chelsea Goal

ANFIELD, LIVERPOOL — Chelsea left Anfield with the slight advantage after a 1-1 draw with Liverpool in the League Cup semi-final first leg, but Brendan Rodgers' side were unfortunate not to get more from the match.

That Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was named man of the match says a lot about the match, with Liverpool bossing the chances—20 efforts on goal compared to just two for the away side.

Ultimately, Liverpool will be the underdogs for the second leg at Stamford Bridge next week now, after going behind early on when Emre Can fouled Eden Hazard and the Belgian converted the resulting spot-kick at the Kop end.

Liverpool were deserving of at least the draw and got the goal they needed to ensure they go into that second leg with it all to play for. Raheem Sterling turned expertly and showed electric pace to fire past Courtois on the hour mark.

Steven Gerrard hit the post shortly after and Philippe Coutinho forced Courtois into one save as Liverpool peppered the Chelsea goal.

Courtois' best save, though, arrived from substitute Adam Lallana when his long shot from distance arrowed toward the bottom corner.

Jon Super/Associated Press

There were a few contentious incidents, when Liverpool refused a penalty when Diego Costa handled in first-half stoppage time and Courtois looked to have handled outside the area in the second half. Neither was given, much to the home side's frustration.

Meanwhile, referee Martin Atkinson continually chose to turn a blind eye to Chelsea's petulant gamesmanship. Costa palmed Lazar Markovic in the face and went in late on Martin Skrtel, but Atkinson took the easy option and chose to ignore both incidents, not even talking to the forward.

Quizzed on the incidents post-match, Rodgers said: "So disappointed we never got at least one penalty tonight. It’s a clear handball by Costa, how we didn’t get that."

There were several standout performers in red—not least Markovic and Coutinho, who showed they were more than up for the physical challenge.

Chelsea, meanwhile, looked happy to take the draw from early on, especially when Liverpool were dominant immediately after the equaliser.

Post-match, Jose Mourinho said, "Obviously, Liverpool didn't deserve to lose." He certainly wasn't wrong.

Sterling

Jon Super/Associated Press

Rodgers was understandably full of praise for Sterling in his post-match press conference, saying the 20-year-old had benefited from the rest he had earlier in the month and that it showed with the goal.

"The pace was frightening, and then to finish on his left side," praised the boss.

There was praise for the England international's movement and tactically how he helped move Chelsea's centre-backs out of position. 

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Compare Raheem Sterling's stats to Europe's other U-21 stars using our Rankings tables - http://t.co/up4MQq5bVI pic.twitter.com/gssuJY3Efh

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 20, 2015 "

A comparison by Squawka of Sterling against other under-21 players around Europe shows just how impressive the Liverpool No. 31 is.

Rodgers' decision certainly looks to have been vindicated on this showing, with Sterling showing superb movement, power and intensity in attack. He comfortably held off the challenge of Gary Cahill on more than one occasion.

After looking slightly rusty against Aston Villa on Saturday, Sterling certainly looked refreshed and ready to go here.

Second Leg

"They’ll be happier in terms of scoreline, but I’m extremely happy with our performance," Rodgers said post-match.

"A two-leg match just became a one-leg match," Mourinho said.

It will be an intriguing night when the two lock horns at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday. Liverpool will be hoping this doesn't prove to be a missed opportunity.

All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise stated.