Match Report: Chelsea 0 - 1 LiverpooL

Xabi Alonso's first-half goal ended Chelsea's 86-game unbeaten home league record and put Liverpool three points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Alonso struck in the ninth minute when his 20-yard shot deflected off Jose Bosingwa and left Petr Cech wrong-footed.

It was Chelsea's first defeat under new boss Luiz Felipe Scolari but Liverpool were always in charge of a pulsating contest at Stamford Bridge and look real title contenders on this form.

Chelsea had not been beaten at home since Arsenal's 2-1 success in February 2004 but Liverpool deserved their triumph with an impressive display.

Chelsea began the brighter of the two sides and their initial thrusts almost resulted in an opening goal.

Nicolas Anelka dribbled his way into the penalty area in the third minute but was tackled before he could test Jose Reina.

The ball fell to Deco but the Chelsea midfielder's shot was deflected to safety.

Liverpool went ahead in the ninth minute with their first attack of the game.

Chelsea failed to deal with a thrown-in when John Terry could only half-clear Dirk Kuyt's clever back-header.

The ball fell to Alonso on the edge of the penalty area and his shot deflected off Chelsea right-back Bosingwa into the net.

Liverpool were now in commanding form and dominating the game.

In the 17th minute, Albert Riera beat Bosingwa on the left flank but fired his shot into the side netting.

Chelsea, hoping to stretch their unbeaten home league sequence to 87 games, struggled to get back into the game.

Bosingwa tried to run at the Liverpool defence in the 21st minute but was chopped down crudely by Riera who received a booking from referee Howard Webb as a result.

Seconds later Salomon Kalou headed just over the bar from another cross by Bosingwa.

Liverpool continued to look dangerous and in the 24th minute they almost increased their lead when Cech was forced to tip a glorious volley from Steven Gerrard over the bar.

Chelsea began to find some consistency as the first half wore on but they were struggling to produce a telling final ball into the penalty area.

Time and again their neat approach work was undone by a poor pass but Frank Lampard, so often their inspiration, won a corner in the 33rd minute with a deflected shot.

But although it came to nothing, Chelsea continued to enjoy their best spell of the game.

Bosingwa sent over a number of crosses from the right flank but Daniel Agger and Jamie Carragher were inspired at the heart of the visitors' defence.

In the 36th minute Deco was given time and space to run at the Liverpool defence but his left-foot drive from 18 yards was wide of Jose Reina's right-hand upright.

In the 38th minute Gerrard looked to be heading for an early bath for a foul on Bosingwa.

However, referee Webb elected to show the England midfielder a yellow card for his challenge.

Liverpool's speed on the counter-attack almost opened up Chelsea again in the 43rd minute but, despite some confusion in the home defence, John Mikel Obi managed to clear their lines.

Chelsea began the second half in a much brighter fashion and it required an interception from Carragher to prevent a cross from Florent Malouda reaching its destination in the six-yard box.

In the 53rd minute Malouda was booked for checking a fine run by Alvaro Arbeloa.

Moments later Malouda was felled by Liverpool 'keeper Reina in the penalty area but he had already been ruled offside by referee Webb.

Cole was next into Webb's book when the official took a dislike to his challenge on Carragher.

In the 57th minute, Kuyt tried his luck from 20 yards but his effort was wide of the target.

It was the catalyst for a Chelsea to make a double substitution with Malouda and Kalou replaced by Juliano Belletti and Franco Di Santo.

It was another indication of Chelsea's growing frustration and it prompted Liverpool to replace Robbie Keane with Ryan Babel.

The Reds were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out in the 60th minute when Belletti kicked Riera in the face.

Chelsea then had a massive escape when Alonso's effort rebounded off the foot of the post for Ricardo Carvalho to clear.

Babel was brought down by Cole as he tried to collect the ball but referee Webb decided to book Javier Mascherano for attempting to persuade the official to dismiss the left-back.

Cole squandered a great chance to level the scores in the 73rd minute when Di Santo nodded Lampard's cross into his path.

But the defender screwed his effort wide of the post from eight yards. Moments later Carragher rescued Liverpool when he deflected Deco's effort for a corner.

At the opposite end, a 25-yard drive from Babel was only just wide of the target.

Benitez: We're Not A One-Man Team

Rafael Benitez believes yesterday's win over Chelsea showed that Liverpool - with or without Fernando Torres - have squad capable of winning titles.

Liverpool's record going into the clash at Stamford Bridge was not flattering, and few neutrals would have tipped them to break Chelsea's sequence of 86 games unbeaten at home.

But that is exactly what they did, thanks to a certain Spaniard, although it wasn't the one who usually does most of the damage where the score-sheet is concerned.

Xabi Alonso stepped in the 10th-minute to compensate for the absence of Fernando Torres, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained on international duty.

Most figured Liverpool would struggle while the 24-year-old known as 'El Nino' sat on the sidelines, but they are yet to suffer a defeat in any competition this season and have had no problems on the goalscoring front.

This is in stark contrast to last season, when 33-goal Torres was the indisputed focal point for the Reds up front. But the arrival of Robbie Keane, the returned form of Dirk Kuyt and the continued growth of Ryan Babel have given Rafael Benitez a number of high-class attacking options.

"Everybody was talking about how it would be difficult for us to come to Chelsea without Torres," Benitez told Liverpool's official website after the Chelsea win. "Fernando is a key player for us who can change a game and is always a threat for the defenders.

"But, if you work well as a team together you can manage like we showed today. If we have to play one or two more games without Fernando I think we have enough quality in the squad."

Benitez's recruitment policy has received mixed reviews. Although the jury is still out on Keane, the Reds' big-money signings in recent years have rarely gone wrong: Torres is a keeper at £21million, Javier Mascherano equally so at £18million.

It is the more thrifty signings which have often gone awry. Craig Bellamy, Mark Gonzalez and Andriy Voronin are just a few who have failed to make the grade at Anfield in the last few years.

People were expecting more of the same when Albert Riera joined from Espanyol in a £6million deadline-day deal. The one-time Manchester City flop has exceeded expectations, however, and has been one of the Reds' most consistent performers during the early part of the season.

"Every year we are trying to improve the squad," Benitez continued. "We have made mistakes signing players but we have also made some very good ones. When I talk about players I don't just mean quality because they need a very good mentality."

And that has been the key to Liverpool's table-topping form this term; they have unearthed the winning mentality that had been buried since the days of Kenny Dalglish, and for the first time in more than 15 years they look like title contenders.

Benitez believes the key lies in not only the spread of quality throughout the squad, but also the number driven, hard-working, uncompromising performers - players who refuse to accept defeat, in other words.

"Players like Agger, Mascherano, Alonso, Gerrard, Carragher, Reina, you can see the mentality they have and it inspires the rest of the players too," Benitez added.

"We have a good squad with good competition. Diego Cavalieri hasn't played much but he is pushing Pepe Reina, Dossena is pushing Fabio Aurelio which is really positive for us so the new players have a very good mentality. Lucas Leiva is working so hard in every training session and everybody has to be on their toes."

Liverpool will hope to continue their impressive run when they face Portsmouth during the week.

Liverpool Can Win Title This Season, Boasts Boss Rafa Bentiez

Rafa Benitez declared his side as genuine title contenders after they ended Chelsea's long unbeaten home league run.

Xabi Alonso's deflected 10th-minute strike gave Liverpool victory - and Chelsea did not have the guile or the firepower to add to the 86-game streak stretching back to February 2004.

The win moved Liverpool three points clear at the top and with a victory over Manchester United already secured, Benitez is predicting a serious title challenge. He said: "Everyone was talking before of our statistics against the top sides - we knew we needed to improve. We were coming here unbeaten, they were unbeaten here for a long time so it was a massive game.

"It was a big boost for the rest of the season. We have belief, we have quality, we showed coming from behind in the other games that we had character. This is enough for being contenders, this is enough for being at the top of the table now.

"After the game I said congratulations to the players. To win here was a really difficult thing to do and so to win here sends a massive message to the other teams of what we can do and tells our fans what we are about."

Chelsea have changed their style since the arrival of Luiz Felipe Scolari, but Liverpool were largely able to keep a lid on the Blues' attacking efforts, Ashley Cole skewing their best chance wide.

Scolari said: "We did not play as Chelsea usually play. They put eight players out to defend and there was no space to work the ball, only space to cross. We didn't win one cross.

"This is not the football that we play. We need to play and touch the ball as we do not have big strikers.

"Benitez is intelligent. He knows that we don't have a two-metre centre forward, so they gave us space. But when we crossed they have players who are very good at winning the ball.

"We were running out of time and the players did not have the confidence to pass the ball. I tried to tell them to play but they didn't listen.

"It's only the second time we've not scored a goal and I have the same confidence in my players.

"They need to understand that Liverpool's defenders were better than us, that's all. I will not change my idea because we failed to score."

Rafa Benitez's Valencia Model Points Liverpool Towards Premier League Title

While Harry Redknapp's arrival at Spurs created most of the headlines over the weekend, across London, Liverpool's win at Chelsea was of far greater significance.

Manager Rafa Benitez is building his side on the Valencia model which won two Liga titles in three seasons.

At Valencia, Benitez had an experienced central defender in Roberto Ayala, "one of the best in Europe at his peak". Liverpool have Jamie Carragher, a different kind of player, but "in terms of effectiveness there is nothing between them".

Looking further up front, Steven Gerrard plays the Pablo Aimar role, making goals and scoring them. "It's the same shape, a title winning shape."

But the real key to Liverpool's title challenge will be the holding pair in central midfield. Xabi Alonso and Mascherano's main job is to soldify the area in front of the back four, so that the full-backs can supply width.

Patrick says: "They are the Albelda and Baraja, the founding cornerstones of this team. And that's why I believe, right now, if you ask me who's going to win the championship, I'd say Liverpool are going to follow in Valencia's footsteps."

Chelsea's Luiz Felipe Scolari Says Players 'Didn't Listen' Against Liverpool

Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was angry to see his players lose patience against Liverpool, and admits they "didn't listen" to his instructions.

After more than four years and 86 Premier League games, Chelsea were finally defeated at Stamford Bridge thanks to Xabi Alonso's early goal.

Against expectations, Chelsea were unable to mount a second-half fightback and failed to recreate the level of performance witnessed in their 5-0 win at Middlesbrough last weekend.

Rafa Benitez was widely accepted to have won his tactical battle with Scolari, and Liverpool now lead the Premier League by three points.

"I didn't want my players to play high balls. I don't need them to put the ball in the box all the time," said Scolari.

"But they lost the confidence to touch the ball and were afraid of not changing the result. This is not the football we play normally. We need to try to play on the ground, not high balls, because I don't have big strikers.

"I said to them 'Look, try to keep on playing' but they didn't listen."

Scolari hopes to have Joe Cole back for their trip to third-place Hull on Wednesday.

"We may have Joe Cole back, maybe," said Scolari. "But Didier Drogba and Michael Ballack need another 10 days minimum."

Scolari is determined the Liverpool shock will not affect the confidence of his players.

"We will have a meeting with the players and start to think about Hull on Wednesday. The Liverpool game is finished.

"We did not expect the result but we need to understand that Liverpool have a very good team.

"In the first half we dominated the game and in the second we had more possession of the ball and passed it well until we got near their penalty area.

"After this we crossed many balls but they had a good defensive line and dealt with every one. We didn't play as we have done in other games because we didn't have the space. We only had space to cross."

Jamie Carragher :Liverpool Wont Get Carried Away By Victory Against Chelsea

Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher has insisted that the race for the title is far from over and that they won’t let their scintillating win over Chelsea last night, go to their heads.

A 11th minute goal by Xabi Alonso was enough to ensure that the Reds emerged victorious at Stamford Bridge to reach the top of the Premier League table with a gap of three points against second placed Chelsea.

At the start of the season the club insisted that this could be the season where the Merseyside club could end their 18-year title drought and they definitely look to be working hard to achieve their target.

30- year old Carragher is as desperate as the rest of the squad to bring the title to Anfield, but insisted that they should focus on every match rather then long term planning.

Speaking to the clubs official website Carragher said, "Before today Chelsea were playing as well as anyone in Europe.

"To come here and win should give our confidence a boost but we realise there's a long way to go yet.

"Their record was never going to go on forever, they were always going to lose at some point, and I'm just glad it was us who managed to beat them.

"We are top of the table but as I said, there's a long way to go.

"Over recent years Chelsea and United have been towards the top while we and Arsenal were trying to get involved and challenge.

"Hopefully we can bridge the gap this season."

Rafael Benitez’s side have already beaten Manchester United at Anfield last month and would like to continue this form of theirs when they play against Arsenal in December.

Jamie Carragher: Liverpool Can Bridge Gap After Historic Victory

JAMIE CARRAGHER believes Liverpool have gained a psychological lift from their historic win at Chelsea.

A 10th-minute goal from Xabi Alonso ended the Londoners’ 86-game unbeaten home league record and put Rafael Benitez’s side three points clear at the top of the table.

Carragher was the outstanding performer as Liverpool comfortably withstood the Chelsea revival

And the centre-back said: “It puts us top of the league and should give us a confidence boost.

“There’s a long way to go but psychologically it should give us a big lift. Before today I’d probably say Chelsea were as good as anyone in Europe with the way they’ve been playing this season.”

Asked about the significance of breaking Chelsea’s four-year run, Carragher added: “It was a great record but obviously it couldn’t go on forever. They had to lose sometime and I’m just delighted it was us.

“We’re top of the league now, there’s a long way to go. Chelsea and Manchester United have been up there for the last four or five years but hopefully we can bridge that gap this season.”

Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, beaten for the first time since taking charge in the summer, admitted his players had resorted to long-ball tactics in a bid to save their unbeaten home league record.

Liverpool became the first team to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the league since Arsenal’s 2-1 success in February 2004 and Scolari admitted his players had been left “very sad” by their defeat.

But the Brazilian coach was more concerned with the loss of three points than a long-standing record he had little to do with.

“We did not expect the result,” said Scolari. “But we need to understand that Liverpool have a very good team.

“They didn’t play better than us but they took their chance. In the first half we dominated the game and in the second we had more possession of the ball and passed it well until we got near their penalty area.

“After this we crossed many balls but they had a good defensive line and dealt with every one. We didn’t play as we have done in other games because we didn’t have the space.

“We only had space to cross. This is not the football we play normally. We need to try and play on the ground, not high balls, because I don’t have big strikers.

“But this is what happened today and they won. It is just three points. Now, they are three points in front of us, that’s it. I say sorry to the fans but we were not better than Liverpool today and they won.

“I saw my players try to do their best and I don’t ask for more than that. Tomorrow we will have a meeting with the players and we need to think about Hull on Wednesday. This game is finished.

“The players are sad, but it is normal. But it is only one game. I didn’t want my players to play high balls.

“I don’t need them to put the ball in the box all the time. But they lost the confidence to touch the ball and were afraid of not changing the result. I said to them ‘Look, try to keep on playing’ but they didn’t listen.”

Match Preview: Chelsea vs. LiverpooL

Chelsea host Liverpool in the undisputed blockbuster of this weekend’s Premier League match-ups. Only goal difference separates the two teams at the top of the table, as both sides remain unbeaten with six wins each from eight games. A victory either way could prove critical in the rival clubs’ title ambitions come May.

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s arrival at Stamford Bridge during the summer was met with the instant expectation of a dramatic upswing in the quality of Chelsea’s football. The former Brazil boss was handed the daunting task of transforming the Blues from an ultra-effective yet extremely turgid outfit into the most attractive and marketable side in Europe, upon the order of Roman Abramovich, the club’s Russian billionaire owner.

Scolari has not disappointed. Chelsea aren’t just topping the table; they’re blowing teams away with the sort of style usually reserved for South America’s international superpowers. The summer recruitment of Deco, which garnered mixed reviews at the time, set the Londoners on the path to rediscovering the ‘sexy football’ popularised by Ruud Gullit during the 1990s. Even though the Portugal playmaker has spent several weeks on the sidelines through injury, his symbolic impact has arguably been as great as his stunning early-season displays. Flying full-back Jose Bosingwa, another Seleccao regular, also joined during the summer, significantly shifting the squad’s emphasis in the direction of flair rather than pragmatism.

Nevertheless, the new manager has stressed that results come first, even if that means momentarily halting the samba revolution to scrap out a Mourinhoesque 1-0 when required. Results over the last few seasons would suggest that Sunday’s game will see grinding, gritty performance from both sides. However, Liverpool’s recent form hints that a rare gem may in fact be on the cards.

Liverpool’s 3-2 win against Wigan Athletic last weekend was their fourth come-from-behind triumph in the Premier League this season. The Kop have been forced to endure a torrent of last-gasp winners as their side have been left in the lurch by indifferent first-half showings. And while the level of performance has been inconsistent, the accumulation of results sees Rafael Benitez’s men gaining momentum in the title race. The football may not always be as pretty as Chelsea’s, but the outcome has been the same, and the Merseysiders’ seem to have recaptured that ominous win-at-all-costs mentality that served them so well in the past.

Perhaps the greatest criticism of Liverpool’s league efforts under Benitez has centred on their inability to hold their own against the rest of the ‘Big Four’. Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have all dominated the Reds in domestic proceedings over the past four years - but again, a crucial shift in the collective psyche at Anfield is taking place. Last month’s victory in the North West derby - Liverpool’s first in league play since 2004 - served as a statement of intent; a win at the Bridge would catapult the five-time European champs into genuine title-contention for the first time in well over a decade.

They face an uphill task, to say the least. No English club has beaten Chelsea on their own turf since March 2004 - 86 games and counting without suffering a home defeat. Hence, a Liverpool win on Sunday would send shockwaves across the country and force the football-following public to acknowledge the reawakening of a sleeping giant.


FORM GUIDE

Both clubs played in the Champions League during the week, with Chelsea securing a 1-0 win over Roma while Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw in a controversial yet uninspiring encounter with Atletico Madrid. Both sides triumphed in the previous round of the Premier League: the Blues thumped Middlesbrough 5-0; the Reds, as previously mentioned, battled to victory against Wigan.

Chelsea

Oct 22 vs. Roma (H) 1-0 WIN
Oct 18 vs. Middlesbrough (A) 5-0 WIN
Oct 5 vs. Aston Villa (H) 2-0 WIN
Oct 1 vs. CFR Cluj (A) 0-0 DRAW
Sep 27 vs. Stoke City (A) 2-0 WIN

Liverpool

Oct 22 vs. Atletico Madrid (A) 1-1 DRAW
Oct 18 vs. Wigan Athletic (H) 3-2 WIN
Oct 5 vs. Manchester City (A) 3-2 WIN
Oct 1 vs. PSV Eindhoven (H) 3-1 WIN
Sep 21 vs. Everton (A) 2-0 WIN


TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

The Blues’ form is all the more impressive when one considers their lengthy list of absentees. Michael Ballack, Michael Essien and Didier Drogba are all out, while England duo Joe Cole and Ashley Cole are also battling injury. On the plus side, Deco is set to make his first league start since mid-September, while key defender Ricardo Carvalho should line up alongside the also fit-again John Terry. Juliano Belletti is an outside chance to start in midfield after his impressive display against Middlesbrough last weekend.

Possible XI (4-3-3): Cech – Bosingwa, Terry, Carvalho, Bridge – Mikel, Lampard, Deco – Kalou, Anelka, Malouda.

Liverpool

The major absence for the Reds is, of course, Fernando Torres. The Spain striker suffered a hamstring tear while on World Cup duty and will remain on the sidelines this weekend. He is not Rafa Benitez’s only concern, though. Robbie Keane hobbled off the Vicente Calderon pitch on Wednesday with a groin complaint and will be subjected to a late fitness test. Expect Dirk Kuyt, who netted twice against Wigan, to reclaim a starting spot. Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso were also substituted against Atleti, but they are both expected to feature on Sunday.

Possible XI (4-2-3-1): Reina – Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Dossena – Mascherano, Alonso – Babel, Gerrard, Riera – Kuyt.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chelsea

It’s hard to choose a stand-out from Stamford Bridge at the moment, but keep an eye on the diminutive Deco. The Brazilian-Portuguese star was majestic during his early outings before injury struck him down. It might be harsh to pin Chelsea’s hopes on his shoulders given he has just returned to action, but there is no doubting that the former Barcelona man is a born match-winner. On the flipside, an anonymous performance from Deco could be equally telling.

Liverpool

Xabi Alonso has re-established himself as an indispensable member of Liverpool’s midfield after coming so close to leaving the club during the summer. The Basque playmaker is the sort of footballer who can take charge of a game without seeming to do anything too spectacular, and his ability to control the tempo and spread the play will be vital if the Reds wish to claim three points on Sunday. All that depends on whether or not he plays, of course; we cannot discount the possibility that he will be ‘rested’ despite an excellent showing against Atletico in midweek.

Sun Shines On Liverpool Manager Rafa Benitez Ahead Of Chelsea Clash

The autumn sun caressed Liverpool's training ground on Friday, but other factors must have conspired in the good humour of Rafa Benitez.

It was, you appreciated on reflection, a good time to be Liverpool manager. True, Benitez had just heard Fernando Torres confirm unavailability through injury for the match at Chelsea, but the team are unbeaten in the Premier League with confidence buttressed for the trip to London by the knowledge that they have beaten Manchester United at Anfield.

Even the credit crunch may be working for Liverpool, because speculation that Tom Hicks and George Gillett will be forced to sell the club is increasingly plausible and, should the crown prince of Dubai prove the buyer, Benitez would have the stability he craves, probably with a new contract as endorsement.

So come, friendly crunch? There being no Betjeman among the ranks of Liverpool's support, perhaps Roger McGough could pen a poem of hope that the Americans will settle their debts and go back across the Atlantic to a less complicated sporting environment.

Benitez again declined to discuss his wishes in detail, smiling when someone pointed out that he had left Valencia for Liverpool in 2004 because the Spanish club waited until he had won the Uefa Cup before renewing his contract - "I understand your question'' - but leaving it there.

Of the takeover reports concerning Sheikh Mohammed, he said: "When things are just rumours, we have to concentrate on football. Then it's easier for the players to focus.'' But stability, he added, was "a good thing for any club''. Especially one obliged to challenge Chelsea without it.

Will we ever (I wonder) again be able to look at a Premier League football match plain and simple? Today's event at Stamford Bridge certainly deserves it, for Liverpool have not even scored there on Premier business in nearly five years since Bruno Cheyrou secured victory on their final visit under Gerard Houllier, and yet a surprising number of people think this might be the day when Chelsea's unbeaten run in the League finally comes to an end after 86 matches.

I wonder if it might be just a shade early in the season. While both clubs are unbeaten thus far, Luiz Felipe Scolari's Chelsea have been closer to peak form than Benitez's side, whose most impressive results have featured recoveries to beat Wigan and Manchester City. A draw would surely delight Liverpool. They may not have been champions for a while, but they do know the difference between a marathon and a sprint.

Their supporters, led by Steven Gerrard, have been waiting since 1990 to celebrate a domestic title but at least they have a manager who knows how; Benitez guided Valencia to two Spanish championships.

He can see steady progress, moreover, towards the required standard. Mention of Pepe Reina's development into one of the country's top goalkeepers got me thinking about how the current Liverpool might measure up to the Valencia of Benitez, who had the bleached but excellent Santiago Canizares in goal, Roberto Ayala shoring up the defence much as Jamie Carragher does (perhaps with less fuss, but the comparison holds), a solid central midfield pairing in Ruben Baraja and David Albelda (Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano) and Pablo Aimar off the front (where Gerrard likes to wreak his own havoc).

Although I found this mental doodling fun, Benitez was less interested in individuals than the character of his teams.

"I was at Valencia for three years,'' he said (they won the title in 2002 and 2004). "The first year was good, but the third year was fantastic. We were very, very solid, attacking and defending very well. It was a team with a fantastic balance and that was the key.

"Everyone had absolute confidence in everyone else. Every year, I think, this team at Liverpool gets closer to that. We have plenty of room for improvement - but every year it gets better.''

And confidence had been so high since the quashing of Manchester United that he would hardly need to mention that mid-September feat during the build-up to Sunday's game.

"For us,'' said Benitez, "beating United was really important because last season we were not winning these big games and everyone was saying 'OK, you can be close - but against the top sides you can't quite do it'. So this was a positive message to the team. And now we'll see what happens at Chelsea.''

Did he miss the mind-games with Jose Mourinho? "No.'' He preferred to exchange football thoughts with Scolari.”That's the way to do things.''

Meanwhile, down in Surrey, there was reciprocal respect, Scolari acknowledging the threat to his ambitions posed by Benitez's team.

"I believe they are thinking more about the Premier League than previously,'' the Chelsea manager declared. "Many times in the past, I have heard and read that Liverpool are concentrating on the Champions League. But maybe now they have a more balanced squad, one in which Benitez has more confidence. Maybe they have grown up.''

Asked if he would, like Benitez, be granted four years at his club without a domestic title (in fairness to Benitez, he has guided Liverpool to two Champions League finals, one of which was won), Scolari replied that he had only two years on his contract. "I have two years to win this competition - this year and next.''

Stability, I suppose, is in the eye of the beholder, but, for the moment, Scolari and Roman Abramovich seem to be getting along just fine. It is Benitez's mission to sow a seed of doubt.

Riera Ready For Second Chance

Albert Riera is determined to prove himself in the Premier League at the second time of asking.

The Spanish winger made little impression in England during a loan spell at Manchester City in 2006, but rediscovered his form on returning to his homeland with Espanyol.

International honours and a deadline day move to Liverpool duly followed, with Riera adamant he is a more mature player than the one which failed to ignite at Eastlands.

An impressive start to life on Merseyside bodes well for the future, although the 26-year-old is well aware of the many challenges which lie ahead.

"What I have learned in recent years is that any footballer can succeed in the Premier League if he has talent and he is also prepared to back that up with hard work, effort and discipline. That is the secret to foreigners succeeding here, and this time I came with no illusions," Riera said.

"When I was younger, I just thought I could walk on to the field and play. You can't. Look at how hard Fernando Torres works at Liverpool. He wouldn't have had to do that in Spain. It's incredible.

"I am a more technical player now and also more mature. My pride won't let me fail this time."

Riera has joined a burgeoning contingent of Spaniards at Anfield but insists that manager Rafa Benitez shows no favouritism towards his countrymen.

"I am at Liverpool because of a personal request from Rafa Benitez," he added.

"He is key for me, but for Rafa there is no difference between Spanish, English or other players.

"Some people believe it is an advantage to be Spanish if you play for Liverpool. That is not true. All Rafa asks is that we all work and behave the same.

"Look at Torres. He is one of the best strikers in the world. I have suffered from his goals in the Spanish league and I am happy that for once he is on my side! But he works as hard as anybody else."

Liverpool Want Title - Scolari

Luiz Felipe Scolari is not surprised by Liverpool's unbeaten start because he believes winning the Premier League is their top priority.

His Liverpool counterpart Rafael Benitez is now in his fifth season as Anfield manager but despite winning the Champions League during his tenure, the Reds have still not put the league trophy in the cabinet since 1990.

But Scolari, whose side face Liverpool in a top-of-the-table clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday lunch time, believes that ending the famine is now the top target for Benitez.

"Liverpool are thinking more about the Premier League more than at any other time," said Scolari.

"I read many times that Liverpool think more about Champions League than Premier League. I don't think that is the case now. They are thinking about winning the Premier League.

"This season, they play more and think more about Premier League than in the other seasons.

"They have a balance and a good squad. They have more confidence and they have improved. The league is more difficult than maybe some of the other competitions. There is no game in the league that you will think you will win easy. It is a difficult league."

Benitez remains in charge at Anfield despite the lack of a league title but, given Chelsea's propensity for changing their managers, it is unlikely that Scolari will be given the same amount of time to win it.

Scolari has a two-year contract with the Blues but insists that there is nothing in writing that says he must win any of the four major competitions they chase every year.

When asked whether he would be handed another deal if he fails to win the league during the term of his contract, Scolari replied: "I don't know, I have a contract for two years only. Maybe I stay here for three, four or five years.

"Maybe they give me another two years in the future. I have two years to win competitions. I expect to win competitions.

"When I arrived here in Chelsea I said we need to play game by game to win. I don't know which competition we will reach the final of but we need to try and reach them all.

"It is possible to go through the season without losing. There are four competitions and we have four chances of winning something.

"If Chelsea win the league I would be happy for sure but I would be happy if we won the Carling Cup.

"I am not only thinking about the Premier League. Chelsea need to win a competition.

"We are in a good situation in the Champions League and the Carling Cup. We are also in a good position in the Premier League but there is a long way to go."

Absence Of Torres Hampers Benitez's Goal At The Bridge

When the crunch comes for Chelsea against Liverpool, it is usually the European Cup at stake. For four successive seasons the clubs have come together in the Champions' League, usually at a crucial stage. Last spring was the first time Chelsea had had the better of those matches, which meant that Jose Mourinho, who had departed by then, never did.

In the Premier League, it has been a different story, Rafael Benitez having recorded a single victory in eight meetings, by 2-0 at Anfield two seasons ago, when the visitors, short of defenders (in every sense), were demolished by Peter Crouch. At Stamford Bridge, where they return this afternoon, Liverpool have never even managed a goal in the League during Benitez's time. Today they are second among equals, though only on goal difference, having matched Chelsea's start to the campaign point for point and suggesting that at last there may be a real title challenge within them.

Not that the manager dares say as much at this early stage, even if he is prepared to acknowledge the improvement suggested by inflicting a League defeat at last on Manchester United a month ago. Anfield celebrated that day as if the championship itself had been won for the first time since 1990. If it is to be, then Liverpool's record against the other members of the big four has to improve drastically.

"Too early to talk about the title," was Benitez's mantra when discussing the match on Friday. He did admit, however, that points won and lost in these critical meetings of the leading clubs – if Hull City will excuse the shorthand – can be decisive. So beating United in only the fourth game of the season had mathematical as well as psychological value. "It was really important for us, because last season we were not winning these games so to beat United was a very, very positive message for the team," he said. "Now we will see what happens against Chelsea, but at least the team can approach these games with confidence."

They would be heading south even more confidently if Fernando Torres, scorer of 33 goals in his first season of English football, was a playing member of the party. His absence, and the knowledge that injury could also keep Robbie Keane out, must increase the possibility of one of the low-scoring, frequently dull encounters that the two teams tend to play at the Bridge, in contrast to Anfield, where the Kop rarely need to chant "Attack, attack, attack". Whether Keane or Dirk Kuyt (the more prolific scorer of the two at present) is the central striker, Steven Gerrard is likely to be behind him, as Benitez seeks the security of having both Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso holding in midfield in his favored 4-2-3-1 formation.

Hugely frustrated as Liverpool are by Torres's injury, sustained on international duty, they must acknowledge that Chelsea's list of absentees is the more debilitating. Joe Cole, Michael Essien, Michael Ballack and Didier Drogba would be a fair old outfield quartet in a five-a-side team, yet none can turn out today.

At least Ricardo Carvalho is back alongside John Terry in central defence. It is not quite correct to describe the Portuguese as Chelsea's unsung hero, since the supporters regularly put his name to song in appreciation of his formidable qualities as a tackler and marker. As one of Portugal's stalwarts, Carvalho also came to appreciate the worth of Luiz Felipe Scolari some time before his current club-mates. "He's a strong man, tough, a fantastic coach and he likes to play to win," he said after the 1-0 victory over Roma in midweek. "He's still learning about the Premier League, a different competition for him. He likes to have the ball and pass the ball, and to be a little bit more adventurous.

"As a player you have to find the moment when to go, when to play," added Carvalho. "He likes to work the ball and every day he thinks about this, to get possession and get the moment to be dangerous."

Someone less loyal to Mourinho, who brought Carvalho to England with him from Porto, might have emphasized the more positive approach with which the Brazilian is delighting everyone at Stamford Bridge, including, most importantly, Roman Abramovich. Jose Bosingwa, another Portuguese, and Ashley Cole or Wayne Bridge on the left, have gained most from it in their freedom to attack down the flanks almost as wing-backs, contributing to the 19 Chelsea goals in eight League games.

Yet they have conceded only three. Those traveling to London today with hope in their heart would be more optimistic of turning the statistics round if only they had Torres on the pitch.

Liverpool Join Busquets Race

The autumn sun caressed Liverpool's training ground on Friday, but other factors must have conspired in the good humour of Rafa Benitez. Liverpool have joined the rapidly growing list of clubs interested in signing Sergio Busquets, with Barca's latest prodigy attracting unprecedented levels of interest.

Following on from the news that Arsenal and Juventus are seriously considering making an approach for Sergio Busquets, it has emerged that Liverpool are the latest club in awe of the midfielder.

The young midfielder has only played six league games at senior level, but already it appears as though all of Europe is after him. Off contract at the end of the season, clubs will soon be able to negotiate with Busquets, and it seems that money is no barrier. Liverpool and Milan are both reportedly ready to offer the youngster double what he is currently on, an enticing prospect for even the most loyal of players.

All of this could be prevented, of course, if Busquets accepts Barca's impending new contract offer. However, early talks between Txiki Begiristain and Josep Maria Orobitg, Busquet's representative, have hit a stumbling block over the financial issue. The midfielder has re-iterated his loyalty to Barca, however, which should provide a strong basis for further negotiations.

Given Busquet's famous heritage (his father Carles played 79 games for Barca), the club will be loathe to lose him on a free transfer at the end of the season, a realistic prospect if contract talks do not advance soon.

Reds Stars To Follow Rafa?

Liverpool's star recruits could leave the club if manager Rafael Benitez does not secure an improved contract, according to the News of the World.

Speculation has arisen in recent weeks concering Benitez's situation at Anfield. He was promised a new deal earlier this year, but the club's American owners are yet to follow up on that proposal.

The word around Merseyside is that the Spaniard's patience is beginning to wear thin, as he is uncertain of whether or not he has the full backing of Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

The more time passes without a contract on the table, the more likely it will become that Benitez will take matters into his own hands and leave Liverpool.

The former Valencia boss has no dearth of suitors; Juventus have supposedly highlighted him as their top target to replace the under-fire Claudio Ranieri, while Real Madrid have regularly been linked with the 48-year-old over the past two seasons.

And his departure, if and when it comes, could well see a host of first-teamers quit the Kop in protest and follow their wronged manager wherever he may roam.

Fernando Torres is the most significant name mentioned among the potential leavers. The 24-year-old has been a Liverpool fan since his days at Atletico Madrid, but he is one of those expected to support Benitez if push comes to shove.

Pepe Reina, Javier Mascherano, Martin Skrtel, Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera also thought to be among Rafa's loyalists. Such big-name departures would crippled the Reds, especially as they have just begun to make headway in the Premier League.

Benitez currently earns £3.5million per year, just over half what his counterpart this afternoon, Chelsea's Luiz Felipe Scolari, is paid.

Javier Mascherano: England Must Build Team Around Steven Gerrard

Javier Mascherano last night gave Frank Lampard a massive thumbs-down by telling Fabio Capello to build his England team around Steven Gerrard.

The £18million Argentinian is convinced if England are to be a success on the world stage Capello should shape the future around Gerrard - and NOT Lampard.

Enforcer Mascherano's stance is sure to add spice to today's massive Stamford Bridge clash between the England duo as Premier League table-toppers Chelsea and Liverpool collide.

In recent seasons Liverpool's title dreams have been over by this stage with Chelsea and Manchester United showing a ruthless streak from the off.

This time, though, Rafa Benitez has guided Liverpool into a strong position and having beaten United at Anfield, a win at Chelsea would give them their first proper title shout in a staggering 18 years.

And Mascherano has no doubts Gerrard is the man who can lead Liverpool and England to glory.

"If you have a player like Gerrard then you need to make a team around him," he said.

"I can't see Lampard in every training session but from what I see and know about Gerrard I think he is the best. He's the most complete player in England.

"He can play in front, wide, in the middle and can defend. And he can score big goals. He can do a lot of functions for the team.

"Stevie gives a lot of options to the manager and that is why he is the best - he is the most complete player.

"Steve is also a real leader in the dressing room and on the pitch."

For all Mascherano's confidence in Gerrard, the tough Argentinian knows this is crunch time for a Liverpool side desperate to join the elite band of Premier League winners - and they want revenge over Chelsea for last season's Champions League semi-final knock-out.

"Everyone wants to play this game because we all know it will be a very good test for us - that is why we have been waiting for this game ever since we played United.

"We were very disappointed because that defeat at Chelsea meant we could not play the final against United in Moscow. Beating Manchester United was good for us. It gave us a lot of confidence.

"Then we had the Everton game and if we hadn't have won that everyone would have forgotten the United game. Now if we beat Chelsea maybe people will look at us in a different way."

Defensive rock Jamie Carragher agrees but he believes Chelsea are the best team in Europe - and comeback specialists Liverpool can't afford to let Luiz Felipe Scolari's men get in front today.

"That has always been a stand-out quality of United teams in the Nineties and you have to respect them for that and a fighting quality is something you need," said Carragher.

"But against a team like Chelsea you don't want to fall behind. They are on fire and look the best team in England.

"The football they are playing is as good as any in Europe but it is credit to us we are level on points with them.

"Getting a result there will give us more belief we can win the title but there is still a long way to go and United and Chelsea are still big favourites to win it."

Keane Could Miss Chlesea Match

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has confirmed that both Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso have won their respective fitness race in time for the top-of-the-table clash against Chelsea on Sunday, but expressed uncertainty about the status of Robbie Keane.

"Xabi and Steven both trained today and should be okay," he said on Friday. "It wasn't a hard session but I am confident they can play at Chelsea.

"We're still not sure about Robbie. He didn't train today and we will have to see how he is tomorrow. We will make a late decision."

The loss of Keane would be particularly be a big blow as the Reds will definitely be making the trip to Stamford Bridge without star striker Fernando Torres, as confirmed by Benitez.

"Fernando won't be involved. He is recovering well and should be fit again soon, but we have to be careful with the player," he was quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

Liverpool travel to Stamford Bridge for the big one on Sunday buoyed by yet another comeback win last weekend, but also conscious of their poor record away to their tittle rivals under Benitez.

Rafa Benitez Insists: Liverpool Can Cope Without Fernando Torres

RAFAEL BENITEZ believes Liverpool have the squad to cope without Fernando Torres and banish their Stamford Bridge hoodoo tomorrow.

The only two remaining unbeaten records in the Premier League go on the line as leaders Chelsea entertain the Spaniard’s second-placed side.

Benitez is confident Robbie Keane will overcome a minor groin strain to lead an attack that will be missing Torres, who is again sidelined with a groin problem.

Liverpool have not won in 10 games at Stamford Bridge under Benitez and have gained only one victory in their last 24 visits, a sequence stretching back to 1990.

But with Keane finding the net against Atletico Madrid in midweek and Dirk Kuyt having scored four times in his last three starts, Benitez reckons his team have the firepower to end Chelsea’s 86-game unbeaten home run.

“I think we can beat them without Torres,” said the Liverpool manager. “We have been playing well and we have enough quality in the squad.

“I think it will be important for the squad to show that the team can do things without Torres. We showed this against United and that was very positive. If we want to be contenders it depends on the whole squad and not just one player.

“Keane is scoring now in the Champions League now so hopefully he can start in the Premier League. Kuyt has already started, and that is a positive. We know Torres is a key player for us, but we have enough quality in the squad.”

Liverpool beat Manchester United last month with Torres on the bench, and Benitez added: “We have new players with a good mentality and we have a lot of confidence. I think we have enough to beat a very good team like Chelsea.

“We have the confidence for beating anyone. “We will go to Stamford Bridge and try and win, but if we cannot we must not lose.

“It will be a good problem for me if I have to try and play down expectations.

“If you want to have a chance at the end you have to beat the top sides,” said.

“To beat the other teams is important as you get the points, but the games against the top sides can make the difference.

“The difference at the top can be just one point, so it’s important to beat these teams.”

If Liverpool avoid defeat tomorrow, they will have achieved their best start to a Premier League campaign.

Benitez has admired the impact Luiz Felipe Scolari has made since arriving at Chelsea but refused to be drawn into criticising former sparring partner Jose Mourinho.

“Scolari is improving the squad and team,” said the Liverpool manager.

“It is more or less the same idea but they are more offensive than before.

“I think they are a good team. I don’t want say they are better (than under Mourinho) because I don’t want to start a war of words, but they are more offensive, that is clear.

“Always you want to win against your rivals, our record is something we can change on Sunday.

“You have to leave the fans to enjoy the situation. But the responsibility is to keep things realistic and to make sure the fans are aware it will be difficult to win the title as there are a lot of good teams in England, particularly the top three.”

Kuyt and Fabio Aurelio could return to the starting line-up at the expense of Yossi Benayoun and Andrea Dossena.

George Gillett Promises Rafa Benitez New Contract

Benitez remains confident his contract situation will be resolved after receiving backing from George Gillett this week.

The American attended the midweek Champions League game at Atletico Madrid and, although Benitez did not meet the co-owner, he revealed contact was indirectly made.

“I have had some contact and some messages, saying congratulations, you are doing a fantastic job,” said the Spaniard.

“I am thinking about games and do my job as well as I can. But I think the contract will get sorted, yes."

Chelsea Won't Intimidate Liverpool

Liverpool forward Robbie Keane has warned Chelsea that the Reds will not be intimidated by the home side's record at Stamford Bridge.

Sunday's top of the table showdown at Stamford Bridge is arguably the fixture of the weekend as Liverpool look to spoil Chelsea's home record, and summer signing Robbie Keane has said that his side will not be intimidated by their opponents.

"We know it won’t be easy and Chelsea have made a good start, but that doesn’t mean we will be intimidated by them," Keane told the club's official website.

"It will be tough on Sunday, because they are doing well and haven’t been beaten for so long at home.

"But the way I look at it, records are there to be broken. We are doing well too and have to be confident we can go there and get a result," he concluded.

Rafa Looks To Take It To The Bridge

Rafael Benitez admires the attacking style that Luiz Felipe Scolari has introduced at Chelsea but still believes Liverpool can win in London.

The Anfield boss will be trying to mastermind the end of Chelsea's four-year, 86-game unbeaten home league record when the Premier League's top two clash at Stamford Bridge.

But Liverpool will have to do it without Fernando Torres, who has failed to recover from a hamstring injury.

Benitez said: "Robbie Keane has a groin strain, we are not sure about him yet, but we will have to wait until nearer the match before we decide.

"(Steven) Gerrard and (Xabi) Alonso will be fit, but Torres will not be available. He may be ready for next week, but for now there is no chance.

"We do not have Torres, but I believe we have the fire-power to beat Chelsea. We have been playing well and have good confidence.

"We have enough quality in the squad. We may have been more worried without Torres in the past, but we have improved, we have new players with a very good mentality.

"We have enough to beat a very good team, and that is what Chelsea are. It is too early to talk of titles, but we have the confidence to beat anyone.

"So we will go to Stamford Bridge and try to do our best. If we win it will be perfect and if we do not lose that too will be positive."

Benitez goes to Stamford Bridge without the added pressures caused by the now infamous war of words with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho that marred previous encounters.

The Portuguese coach dominated Benitez in league matches, while Liverpool achieved notable victories in the FA Cup and Champions League.

Now, it seems, Benitez senses a more cordial welcome.

He would not go as far as to say Chelsea were better under Scolari, but he got very close.

"With Avram Grant the team was at the same level as with Mourinho, but maybe more offensive," Benitez said.

"And that is now the same with Scolari. He is improving the team and the squad, so it will be just as difficult. But we are playing against the team, not the manager.

"But maybe Chelsea are now more offensive. That just makes it more difficult because they have such good players.

"Chelsea are a very good team. I would not want to say better than under Mourinho because I do not want to start any war of words, but it is clear that they are more offensive.

"They have a more offensive mentality, a very good team with a good attacking policy.

"This game may be more open than previous ones between the clubs. Clearly they have a stronger attacking mentality. They will go forward, they score goals, and we will have a much more attacking match.

"They have quality all around. They have full-backs who go forward, good wide men and attacking players, they are a very good side. They do not have too many weaknesses, but if we can win it will be a real boost."