Chelsea this afternoon at Anfield sustained their involvement in the Premier League title race while also dealing Liverpool’s title aspiration a big blow courtesy of an efficient 2-0 win at the league leaders’.

With a return leg against Atletico Madrid, tied goalless, in the Champions League looming in midweek, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho nonetheless selected a strong line-up against Liverpool that came into the match with an 11-match winning run.

And the Reds looked rampant early on in search of a 12th straight win and even having an effort cleared off the line early on, but it was the Blues that would take the lead against the run of play through Dembe Ba in first half stoppage time.

That goal, which came after Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard slipped in possession, sucked the high tempo out of the Reds’ game as Chelsea began to impose themselves, culminating in substitute Willian’s sucker-punch goal in the 90th minute.

The result means Chelsea now has 78 points and lie just two points behind Liverpool after 36 matches, while Manchester City – third with 74 points and two games in hand – will look to take advantage of the Anfield result starting with their evening kick-off at in-form Crystal Palace.