Chelsea 2 – Liverpool 0
SECOND half goals from Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda sent Liverpool crashing to their third Premier League defeat of the season at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Anelka scored his fifth goal of the season when he finished off a cross from Didier Drogba on the hour, before substitute Malouda added the second in injury-time.
The Reds had started well, forcing Chelsea onto the back foot at the start of what promised to be an enthralling contest between two sides expected to contest the title this season.
Both sides were full of attacking desire but neither goalkeeper had been tested at the midway stage of the opening half.
Liverpool’s Jose Reina finally collected a header from Drogba just beneath the crossbar in the 24th minute.
In the 27th minute Reina was called into action again when Essien’s cross was met by Nicolas Anelka.
The France international was unmarked but despite the luxury of a free header, he could not find a way past the Liverpool keeper.
Liverpool were handed a chance to opening the scoring in the 29th minute when Branislav Ivanovic was adjudged to have brought down Torres.
The free-kick was some 25 yards out but Gerrard’s effort sailed over the crossbar.
The second half saw both sides emerge with more intent, and the hosts went ahead on the 60 minute mark as Didier sent through a low cross to Anelka who was perfectly placed to bury it in the far corner.
Drogba burst through again just into injury time to cement the win by setting up substitute Florent Malouda with the final goal of the match.
Liverpool currently sit outside the elite top four in fifth place, merely on goal difference above Manchester City, who have two games in hand.
SECOND half goals from Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda sent Liverpool crashing to their third Premier League defeat of the season at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Anelka scored his fifth goal of the season when he finished off a cross from Didier Drogba on the hour, before substitute Malouda added the second in injury-time.The Reds had started well, forcing Chelsea onto the back foot at the start of what promised to be an enthralling contest between two sides expected to contest the title this season.
Both sides were full of attacking desire but neither goalkeeper had been tested at the midway stage of the opening half.
Liverpool’s Jose Reina finally collected a header from Drogba just beneath the crossbar in the 24th minute.
In the 27th minute Reina was called into action again when Essien’s cross was met by Nicolas Anelka.
The France international was unmarked but despite the luxury of a free header, he could not find a way past the Liverpool keeper.
Liverpool were handed a chance to opening the scoring in the 29th minute when Branislav Ivanovic was adjudged to have brought down Torres.
The free-kick was some 25 yards out but Gerrard’s effort sailed over the crossbar.
The second half saw both sides emerge with more intent, and the hosts went ahead on the 60 minute mark as Didier sent through a low cross to Anelka who was perfectly placed to bury it in the far corner.
Drogba burst through again just into injury time to cement the win by setting up substitute Florent Malouda with the final goal of the match.
Liverpool currently sit outside the elite top four in fifth place, merely on goal difference above Manchester City, who have two games in hand.
