Liverpool vs. Chelsea: 5 Things Each Team Learned in the Carling Cup Clash

For the second time in nine days, Liverpool vanquished Chelsea, this time in the semifinals of the Carling Cup. Goals from Maxi Rodriguez and Martin Kelly put the Reds clean ahead of Andre Villas-Boas' outfit, but that's not to say both teams didn't have some strong points.

Here are five things the Blues and Reds learned from today's matchup.

As always, if you have your own lessons learned from today's clash that you'd like to share, have at it in the comments. 

Oriol Romeu Could Be a Regular Starter

It took some time for the La Masia graduate to adapt to the rigors of Premiership football, but in his past couple of performances, Romeu has done well. And tonight, he was Chelsea's best player.

He impressed in the "Makélélé Role," completing 93 percent of his passes and playing with great composure even when things weren't going so well. He was comfortable on the ball, did his part to maintain possession and did well in the defensive tasks required of his position.

With Michael Essien out, Romeu is looking more and more like the best option in his position and if he continues to develop and get more starts, he could shape up to be a massive impact player for the Blues. 

Ryan Bertrand Has the Potential to Do Great Things at the Bridge

One of the most promising performers tonight, other than Romeu, was Ryan Bertrand. He did make a massive howler when his positioning was off, contributing to Liverpool's first goal, but other than that, he marked well and showed promise as a potential heir-apparent for Ashley Cole.

Cole should probably remain the starting left-back for now, but some more playing time would really benefit him. As he develops, he could become the Blues' next great left-back. 

Speaking of Bertrand, Sometimes Romelu Lukaku Magically Turns into Him

Seriously, what was this all about?

If you missed it, Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku got a nasty two-footed challenge on Jordan Henderson—one he really could have been sent off for—but since Bertrand fell too, the left-back got the blame and the booking.

In the instant replays, it's very clear that Lukaku was responsible. This was a pretty big blunder on Phil Dowd's part, and a shame that Lukaku got away with a nasty tackle and Bertrand got shafted with a punishment he didn't deserve.

And they look nothing alike. Yikes.

Juan Mata Must Be Brought in Sooner Than Later

Mata is the creative nerve centre of Chelsea's attack right now. And even tonight, when the chips were down, he made some good passes and did what he could. But by the time he was brought on, the score was 2-0 and Andre Villas-Boas' substitutions proved to be too little, too late. 

Had he been sent in a bit sooner, he could have been a game changer. Even with good midfield performers like Ramires and Oriol Romeu in, Mata is the key playmaker on the squad right now and needs the start.

Josh McEachran Needs More Time and Possibly a Loan Spell

It's apparently pronounced "Mack-Eckren," according to the announcer on Fox Soccer. I would not have guessed. Good to know. 

It wasn't the best of matches for Chelsea's teen sensation. He didn't have time to make much of an impact, and he was taken out about halfway through the first half after a collision with Lucas led to an injury.

Once he's fit again (which will hopefully be soon), the club will need to make a decision about what they should do with him. He's promising, he's talented, but he's not ready for a regular Premiership role yet. But at the same time, if he's not given more time on the pitch, he's not going to be ready any time soon when Chelsea really need new life in the midfield.

If he's not going to get the time he needs at Chelsea—and he may not really be ready for that to happen—the club would be best to send him out on loan for the second half of the season to give him time on the pitch to develop. 

Maxi Should Have More Chances at the Premier League Level

He proved himself against Chelsea once, and then he did it again nine days later.

As a wide man, Maxi hasn't been perfect with use of space, but overall he's been clever, has connected well and generally impressed more than some of the other winger options.

Other than Chelsea, he hasn't been tested much in the Premiership this season but given his last two runs against one of the top-ranked teams in the league (granted, one was against a Chelsea missing many key players), perhaps it might be time to give him a Premier League start in place of Stewart Downing and see how it goes. 

Craig Bellamy Is Essential to the Reds' Attack and Should Be the Regular Starter

Luis Suárez may be the power up front but from the past several matches, it's become clear that Craig Bellamy may be the best option as his partner, with Maxi on the wing as in the last match between the Reds and Chelsea.

Bellamy gave a Man of the Match-caliber performance today, brilliantly setting up both of Liverpool's goals, the second on a well-taken free kick.

He works well with the ball whether it's moving or stationary and has proven he can play alongside Suárez.

Andy Carroll is improving, but his lack of ability to finish is rather frustrating, but he could perhaps be effective as an impact sub for now if Bellamy-Suárez-Maxi (or another winger even) doesn't work. Might be something worth trying the next several matches to see if the results change.

Lucas Leiva Is Proving Just How Valuable He Is

Typically, when discourse is held about the value of Liverpool's squad and who are its best and most important players, Lucas Leiva is not among the first mentioned. After tonight, as well as a great effort against Manchester City over the weekend, he most certainly will be. 

What a night for the Liverpool holding midfielder.

It appeared as though he made it something of a personal mission to ruin Fernando Torres' night, marking him and Frank Lampard well consistently and making key interceptions.

Even after facing Chelsea the week before and Manchester City with only a day to rest in between, he rarely tired. His clash with Juan Mata led to a knee injury, but hopefully it won't be one that keeps him out for long.

Sebastián Coates May Be Ready for More Premier League Action

Other than Lucas and Craig Bellamy, the star of the evening was Uruguayan defender Sebastián Coates, a transfer made on the August deadline day who has gone relatively untested this season at Anfield, and has made just one appearance in a league match as a substitute for Daniel Agger.

Tonight, in his third Carling Cup start, Coates wowed.

He made a couple of mistakes at first but once he got into the groove, he was quick to break up the Chelsea attack and made some great clearances. He's probably not ready to face the biggest of the big guns quite yet, and while Skrtel and Agger will likely remain the favored two, he proved tonight he should get more playing time at the league level.

Choreography Is Always Important

If you're going to put together a ridiculous goal celebration, it's important to rehearse before.

In the case of Sebastián Coates, Lucas and Maxi Rodriguez, it looks like they worked out the steps beforehand. It's like they knew.