Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi is confident the London club can get the better of Liverpool when both sides meet for a replay of the Capital One Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge next week.
The first leg tie ended 1-1 at Anfield on Tuesday and though Mikel believes it was a positive result, he admits Chelsea must raise their game to beat the Reds in their meeting.
Chelsea took the lead as early as the 18th minute when Eden Hazard tucked in a penalty but Raheem Sterling drew the hosts level in the 59th minute, making sure the eventual winners would be decided through a replay.
“We were a bit disappointed to concede the goal but I think overall it’s a good result,’ Mikel said on Chelsea website.
“We have the second game back home and we need to make sure we finish it there.
“We knew they were going to come at us. We tried to absorb the pressure for about 15 or 20 minutes after half-time. Their goal brought them back into the game but after that we started playing well again.
“We have to go back home, analyse the game and win next week. We think we have the advantage. We didn’t lose, we scored and the away goal could be important. We’re in a good place.”
According to him, Hazard’s goal might be decisive if extra-time is required at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday. If it was 0-0 after the end of the extra 30 minutes Chelsea would progress on away goals.
Mikel also praised the performance of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the Anfield encounter. The Belgium international’s agility, speed and reflexes, particularly in the second half, kept Chelsea in the game.
“We’ve got Petr Cech who has come in for Thibaut since he’s been injured and done really well,” Mikel said.
“Thibaut showed what a world-class goalkeeper he is. He’s been doing that all season, save after save. It’s good to have him back and the team as well all did a job.”