Liverpool’s slender Champions League credentials took a huge blow after a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Chelsea captain John Terry became the Premier League’s highest scoring defender to put Jose Mourinho’s side ahead before Steven Gerrard levelled the score with an unmarked header just before the break.
The result, coupled with Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, leaves Brendan Rodgers’ side six points adrift of the top-four places with just two games remaining.
Liverpool formed a guard of honour prior to kick-off at Stamford Bridge as a sign of respect for the Premier League champions, but there was nothing respectful about Cesc Fabregas’ reckless lunge on Raheem Sterling inside the opening minute; the Spain international lucky to escape with a booking.
It didn’t take long for the Blues to go ahead as John Terry converted Fabregas’ corner with a towering header into the bottom corner.
Fabregas, perhaps fortunate to still be on the pitch after his early foul on Sterling, came close to doubling the home side’s lead when he cantered into the Liverpool area unchallenged, but was denied by Simon Mignolet’s instinctive parry.
At the other end, Jordan Henderson nearly dissected Chelsea’s backline with a studied through-ball, although his intended target Rickie Lambert was beaten by the emerging Thibaut Courtois.
But the visitors - largely against the run of play - found themselves level just before the break. Branislav Ivanovic’s needless foul on Adam Lallana allowed Henderson to deliver a free-kick toward the back post, which was met by Gerrard with a cushioned header past Courtois.
Liverpool made a blistering start to the second half with Lallana coming close to completing an incisive attack with a low effort on the turn. Then, Sterling’s weaving run and intelligent setback teed up Philippe Coutinho from eight yards out, but the Brazil international could only trouble the side netting.
Chelsea responded when Willian flashed the ball across the face of goal, forcing a fingertip save from Mignolet.
But it was Brendan Rodgers’ team that continued to press for a second and, in turn, maintain their slim chances of qualifying for the Champions League. Sterling again caused problems with a direct run at Ivanovic and Martin Skrtel fired over from a promising position inside the box.
Despite the Reds’ second half improvements Chelsea should have moved in front 15 minutes from time when Fabregas tip-toed his way into Liverpool territory but could only produce a tame shot toward a grateful Mignolet.
Efforts from Coutinho and Henderson threatened to snatch a late Liverpool victory and, although mathematically possible, the draw all but ends their top-four hopes.
Chelsea captain John Terry became the Premier League’s highest scoring defender to put Jose Mourinho’s side ahead before Steven Gerrard levelled the score with an unmarked header just before the break.
The result, coupled with Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, leaves Brendan Rodgers’ side six points adrift of the top-four places with just two games remaining.
Liverpool formed a guard of honour prior to kick-off at Stamford Bridge as a sign of respect for the Premier League champions, but there was nothing respectful about Cesc Fabregas’ reckless lunge on Raheem Sterling inside the opening minute; the Spain international lucky to escape with a booking.
It didn’t take long for the Blues to go ahead as John Terry converted Fabregas’ corner with a towering header into the bottom corner.
Fabregas, perhaps fortunate to still be on the pitch after his early foul on Sterling, came close to doubling the home side’s lead when he cantered into the Liverpool area unchallenged, but was denied by Simon Mignolet’s instinctive parry.
At the other end, Jordan Henderson nearly dissected Chelsea’s backline with a studied through-ball, although his intended target Rickie Lambert was beaten by the emerging Thibaut Courtois.
But the visitors - largely against the run of play - found themselves level just before the break. Branislav Ivanovic’s needless foul on Adam Lallana allowed Henderson to deliver a free-kick toward the back post, which was met by Gerrard with a cushioned header past Courtois.
Liverpool made a blistering start to the second half with Lallana coming close to completing an incisive attack with a low effort on the turn. Then, Sterling’s weaving run and intelligent setback teed up Philippe Coutinho from eight yards out, but the Brazil international could only trouble the side netting.
Chelsea responded when Willian flashed the ball across the face of goal, forcing a fingertip save from Mignolet.
But it was Brendan Rodgers’ team that continued to press for a second and, in turn, maintain their slim chances of qualifying for the Champions League. Sterling again caused problems with a direct run at Ivanovic and Martin Skrtel fired over from a promising position inside the box.
Despite the Reds’ second half improvements Chelsea should have moved in front 15 minutes from time when Fabregas tip-toed his way into Liverpool territory but could only produce a tame shot toward a grateful Mignolet.
Efforts from Coutinho and Henderson threatened to snatch a late Liverpool victory and, although mathematically possible, the draw all but ends their top-four hopes.
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