Chelsea vice-captain Cesar Azpilicueta has stated that the current Blues team can draw inspiration from the 2013-14 team which inflicted a grave wound on Liverpool’s title hopes that season.
Speaking to Standard Sport, the Spaniard said :
“When we went there they had the party nearly ready because they were smashing every team at Anfield.
“But we arrived with a clear idea and did the game we had to do in that moment. To beat that team — they were getting good results — 2-0 was a very important win for the club, for the fans. Everyone enjoyed that day and hopefully we can replicate it on Sunday.”
Chelsea haven’t lost at Anfield since 2012 and were the first side to win there this term defeating the Reds 2-1 in a League cup fixture.
“Records are nice but we have to hold them,” added Azpilicueta. “We have had very good results at Anfield but we have to prove ourselves again on Sunday.
“It is not about frustrating Liverpool, it is about playing our game. They are fighting for the title but for us every point is vital to finish in the top four. This is an important game for us.
“We are playing against a strong side and we need to keep the solidity we have shown in the last games, defend very well as a team because they are a big threat.
“Then, if we take our chances, we can win. We have proved ourselves already at Anfield this season when we won there in the League Cup.”
Shedding light on Chelsea’s recent upturn in form Azpilicueta added:
“We have improved and have got the results. We needed to recover that solidity at the back, doing a team job.
“It is very important for the offensive players when you are solid at the back because it gives them confidence. When you don’t concede, it means one goal is enough to win the game. We have needed to pick ourselves up in a collective way and also individually. Hopefully we can repeat this.”