LIVERPOOL crushed Chelsea's incredible home record to storm to the Premier League summit.
Xabi Alonso's early deflected effort earned the Reds a superb win at fortress Stamford Bridge, where the hosts had gone 86 league games without defeat. And it sends Rafa Benitez's men three points clear at the top of the table.
Xabi Alonso's early deflected effort earned the Reds a superb win at fortress Stamford Bridge, where the hosts had gone 86 league games without defeat. And it sends Rafa Benitez's men three points clear at the top of the table.
Chelsea began brightly and saw Deco's early shot deflected to safety.
But it was Liverpool who went ahead in the ninth minute with their first attack of the game. Chelsea failed to deal with a throw-in as John Terry could only half clear Dirk Kuyt’s flick-on. The ball fell to Alonso on the edge of the penalty area and his shot deflected off Ricardo Carvalho and past keeper Petr Cech. And after nudging in front, the Reds began to dominate.
But it was Liverpool who went ahead in the ninth minute with their first attack of the game. Chelsea failed to deal with a throw-in as John Terry could only half clear Dirk Kuyt’s flick-on. The ball fell to Alonso on the edge of the penalty area and his shot deflected off Ricardo Carvalho and past keeper Petr Cech. And after nudging in front, the Reds began to dominate.
Albert Riera beat Jose Bosingwa on the left flank before firing into the side-netting, while Cech was forced to tip a fizzing volley from Steven Gerrard over the bar. Chelsea were struggling for ideas and Deco sent a left-foot drive wide from 18 yards.
They started the second half well and Florent Malouda was felled by keeper Pepe Reina in the area but he had already been ruled offside.
But they had a massive escape when Alonso’s 25-yard free-kick rebounded off the foot of the post with Cech well beaten.
Chelsea piled forward in a desperate hunt for a leveller and Ashley Cole should have scored from Franco Di Santo's knock down.
And Jamie Carragher was then alert to deny Deco room to find the target inside the area. But Liverpool held on for what may prove to be a crucial win in the race for the title.
