Anelka fires Blues to summit

Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda fired Chelsea back to the Premier League summit and dealt another significant blow to Liverpool's title aspirations.

The former Reds striker was on hand to slot home the opening goal on the hour mark with the chance being put on a plate by strike partner Didier Drogba's delightful cross.
 
Drogba was again the provider for the clinching goal in added time as his power was too much for Jamie Carragher, who allowed the Ivory Coast international to square for substitute Malouda to score from close range.
 
Carlo Ancelotti's men took advantage of Manchester United's unexpected home draw with Sunderland on Saturday evening to move back into pole position ahead of the international break.
 
Back-up Blues goalkeeper Hilario was rarely troubled by the visitors, although he had to be alert in the first half to keep out Albert Riera's free-kick which looked destined for the bottom corner.
 
Yossi Benayoun missed a good chance to pull one back in the closing moments before Hilario again proved his ability as he dived to his right to keep out Steven Gerrard's late pile-driver.
 
Rafa Benitez's men have now sustained three league defeats, one more than they suffered throughout all of last season, and are six points adrift of the leaders.

The views expressed in this story do not necessarily reflect the views of Liverpool Football Club.