Ray Parlour: The difference between Chelsea and Liverpool
The Arsenal legened highlights the difference in strength of the Chelsea and Liverpool substitute benches
Ray Palour believes the difference between Chelsea and Liverpool this season has been the strength of Antonio Conte’s bench.
The Blues enjoyed the luxury of resting Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard for their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley last weekend.
Conte turned to the Chelsea trio in the second half and Hazard got on the score sheet to help the Blues ease to a 4-2 win against Tottenham and reach the final.
Chelsea are four points clear of Spurs in an enthralling title race thanks to the excellent performances of Conte’s first-team squad.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have struggled with injuries throughout the 2016-17 campaign, which has served to undermine their top-four bid in the second half of the season.
Speaking to Alan Brazil Up Front podcast, former Arsenal midfielder Parlour was quick to highlight the difference in the strength on the Chelsea and Liverpool bench.
“Look at Chelsea’s bench. I know they rested a few players but they brought on Hazard, Costa and Fabregas,” Parlour said.
“If you look at Liverpool’s bench, there was a lot of youngsters. The squad isn’t big enough going forward. He needs to address that in the summer.”
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Jurgen Klopp’s side were 2-1 winners against Chelsea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge back in September.
Liverpool drew 0-0 with Chelsea in February.
