Latest: Liverpool 0 Chelsea 1 – Blues on course for win at Anfield
Chelsea had Asmir Begovic to thank for preserving their lead in the second half at Anfield.
The Blues keeper did well to spread himself and deny Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge after he was slipped in on goal by Adam Lallana.
From the resulting corner, Kolo Toure sent a header straight at Begovic.
Chelsea had chances to extend their lead, with Eden Hazard – whose superb solo effort separated the two teams at the break – once again looking threatening.
The Belgian had a shot from the edge of the box gathered by Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet, who also beat away Pedro’s firmly struck effort.
Chelsea suffered an injury blow early in the second half when Willian limped off and Kenedy came on.
But they are on course for victory thanks to Hazard’s 31st minute goal, when he skipped in from the left flank, drifted past several static Liverpool players and clipped a low right-footed finish into the bottom corner.
Subs: Bogdan, Skrtel, Smith, Lucas, Allen, Ojo, Benteke.
Chelsea: Begovic; Azpilicueta, Mikel, Cahill, Baba Rahman; Fabregas, Matic; Pedro, Willian (Kenedy 57), Hazard; Traore.
Subs: Amelia, Tomori, Loftus-Cheek, Palmer, Pato, Abraham.
