Chelsea, without a natural enemy, seem to have adopted Liverpool as their favourite whipping boys. First there was Mourinho winding them up in Cardiff in his first League Cup final in 2005. Then the Champions League clashes. Then that Rafa Benitez business. And now the Steve Gerrard songs. Anyone who thinks any fans, let alone Chelsea fans, are going to desist from such mockery and start showing respect to an opposition player clearly doesn’t understand the psyche of football crowds.

Still, don’t despair, Koppites, you’ve still got something to sing about.

Honours.                        Liverpool         Chelsea

Champions                          18                  4

FA Cup                                  7                  7

League Cup                          8                  4

European Champions           5                  1

UEFA Cup/Europa Lge         3                  1

Cup Winners Cup                 0                  2

UEFA Super Cup                  3                  1