Liverpool moves top of EPL with win at Chelsea

It was Chelsea's first defeat under new boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, but Liverpool were always in charge of a pulsating contest and look real title contenders on this form.   Chelsea had not been beaten at home since Arsenal's 2-1 success in February 2004 but Liverpool deserved their triumph with an impressive display.

Chelsea began the brighter of the two sides and their initial thrusts almost resulted in an opening goal. Nicolas Anelka dribbled his way into the penalty area in the third minute but was tackled before he could test Jose Reina.   The ball fell to Deco but the Chelsea midfielder's shot was deflected to safety.

Liverpool went ahead in the ninth minute with their first attack of the game.   Chelsea failed to deal with a thrownin when John Terry could only half clear Dirk Kuyt's clever flick on.   The ball fell to Alonso on the edge of the penalty area and his shot deflected off Chelsea right back Bosingwa into the net.

Liverpool were now in commanding form and dominating the game.   In the 17th minute, Albert Riera beat Bosingwa on the left flank but fired his shot into the side netting.   Chelsea, hoping to stretch their unbeaten home league sequence to 87 games, struggled to get back into the game.   Bosingwa tried to run at the Liverpool defence in the 21st minute but was chopped down crudely by Riera who received a booking from referee Howard Webb as a result.

Liverpool continued to look dangerous and in the 24th minute they almost increased their lead when Cech was forced to tip a glorious volley from Steven Gerrard over the bar.   Chelsea began to find some consistency as the first half wore on but they were struggling to produce a telling final ball into the penalty area.

In the 38th minute Gerrard looked to be heading for an early bath for a foul on Bosingwa.  However, referee Webb elected to show the England midfielder a yellow card for his challenge.   Liverpool's speed on the counter almost opened up Chelsea again in the 43rd minute but, despite some confusion in the home defence, John Mikel Obi managed to clear their lines.

Chelsea began the second half in a much brighter fashion and it required an interception from Carragher to prevent a cross from Florent Malouda reaching its destination in the six-yard box.   In the 53rd minute Malouda was booked for checking a fine run by Alvaro Arbeloa.   Kuyt then tried his luck from 20 yards but his effort was wide of the target.

It was the catalyst for a Chelsea to make a double substitution with Malouda and Kalou replaced by Juliano Belletti and Franco Di Santo.   It was another indication of Chelsea's growing frustration and it prompted Liverpool to replace Robbie Keane with Ryan Babel.   The Reds were awarded a freekick 25 yards out in the 60th minute when Belletti kicked Riera in the face.

Chelsea then had a massive escape when Alonso's effort rebounded off the foot of the post for Ricardo Carvalho to clear.    Babel was brought down by Cole as he tried to collect the ball but referee Webb decided to book Javier Mascherano for attempting to persuade the official to dismiss the left back. Cole squandered a great chance to level the scores in the 73rd minute when Di Santo nodded Lampard's cross into his path, ut the defender screwed his effort wide of the post from eight yards. Moments later Carragher rescued Liverpool when he deflected Deco's effort for a corner.