Final Whistle

Liverpool wrested top spot in the Barclays Premier League from Chelsea at Stamford Bridge today, in the process ending the Blues four and a half year home league unbeaten record, when Xavi Alonso struck with a deflected shot in the 10th minute of the match.

The match finished Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool.

Chelsea had gone 86 matches unbeaten at the Bridge, but Liverpool were well worth their 0-1 victory here today.

Reds fans will be encouraged about their side’s chances for the title this term – the first time it has looked genuinely on the cards for a long time.

In particular, Liverpool have been picking up three points from matches where they have looked dead and buried (Middlesbrough, Man City): it is exactly that sort of fighting spirit and point winning mentality that will see a team lift a league trophy.

Chelsea’s extremely long injury list has perhaps led to this first major upset for Big Phil Scolari, and they are certainly not out of the title hunt by any means themselves. Their role as favourites for the league may come under scrutiny, however, as they looked outgunned for large periods of today’s game, and the best chance fell to left-back Ashley Cole: they could be short of a top class centre forward while Drogba is away.