Chelsea recorded their first home victory against one of the "Big Four" since 26 April 2008, when they beat Manchester United 2-1. Didier Drogba was scorer and provider to make it 2-0 and take Chelsea two points clear at the top of the table for the international break. Liverpool move down to sixth on their third defeat.
The first half started tight at both ends, neither team able to create enough pressure and a serious threat to Pepe Reina and Henrique Hilario, who was standing in for a suspended Petr Cech.
Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard were kept anonymous and covered well by John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho. The only save Hilario had to make came from an Albert Riera free-kick from 40 yards. The Portuguese saw it late but was alert enough to tip it around the post for a corner.
Drogba and Frank Lampard had a couple of efforts for Chelsea, but nothing close. Reina had an easy job to save Nicolas Anelka's header, the closest the Blues got in the first half.
The second half continued in the same unspectacular way, until Drogba broke the deadlock 30 minutes later. The Ivory Coast striker took the ball off Javier Mascherano, broke away on the right and put it past Reina with his right foot. With three minutes injury time added on to Rafael Benitez's disgrace, Drogba got the better of Jamie Carragher, outrunning and turning away from the defender, his cross from the right side of the box finding Deco-replacement Florent Malouda, who bubbled it over the line and condemned Liverpool to their third defeat of the season.
Carragher enjoyed a solid display and no problems with Martin Skrtel at the back as they had shown in previous matches, up until then. Drogba made the difference, although he impressed as much as he infuriated the spectators, with his quality contributions and dramatic diving and whining antiques.
Yossi Benayoun missed a chance for Liverpool late on after coming on for Riera, but it was not to be, not even a consolation goal for the Reds.
It was not a classic encounter, less mouthwatering and breathtaking. Both sides were not at their best, but Chelsea were the side who were able to take advantage and record their 11th win under Carlo Ancelotti. They take a two-point cushion, being able to enjoy the international break at the top of the Premier League. Liverpool on the other hand will have to answer a lot of questions, whether they are still in the title challenge with a shout and where and why it has all gone pear-shaped for them so early on in the season.
Chelsea Hilario; A Cole, Terry, Cavalho, Ivanovic; Lampard, Essien, Ballack; Anelka, Deco (Malouda 76), Drogba. Subs not used Turnbull, J Cole, Zhirkov, Kalou, Sturridge, Belletti. Bookings Essien 44.
Liverpool Reina; Insua (Aurelio 83), Skrtel, Carragher, Johnson; Riera (Benayoun 67), Mascherano, Gerrard, Lucas (Babel 76), Kuyt; Torres. Subs not used Cavalieri, Agger, Kyrgiakos, Ngog. Bookings Gerrard 77.
1st half stats
Chelsea-Liverpool
Attempts: 7-6
On target: 4-2
Offsides: 0-1
Corners: 3-5
Free kicks: 8-6
Possession: 50%-50%
2nd half stats
Chelsea-Liverpool
Attempts: 8-9
On target: 6-3
Offsides: 0-0
Corners: 1-2
Free kicks: 7-4
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Man of the match: John Terry
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