Match Highlights on: Arsenal, Newcastle, Chelsea and Man Utd

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Manchester United and Chelsea reconvene in their battle for the title, while clubs at the bottom end of the table aim to pick up vital points in fixtures which were staged in reverse three weeks ago.

Premiership leaders Man United meet Aston Villa for the third time in as many weeks and have so far won both games.

Chelsea have not picked up three points in the Premiership since beating Wigan Athletic just before Christmas and will hope the visit of The Latics will bring about a return to form.

The weekend's Premiership fare concludes at White Hart Lane as Tottenham Hotspur welcome Newcastle United to the capital.

U can dicuss the upcoming matches for Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United on this thread.

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Chelsea v Wigan preview

Chelsea will be determined to return to winning ways as they welcome struggling Wigan to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Arjen Robben's stoppage time strike gave Chelsea a 3-2 victory at Wigan before Christmas, but The Blues have not won in the Premiership since.

They were also held to a surprise 1-1 draw by Wycombe in the Carling Cup in midweek, while rumours continue to circulate about the futures of striker Andrei Shevchenko and manager Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea will know they cannot afford to lose any more ground on Premiership leaders Manchester United as they are already six points adrift at the top, but Wigan would seem ideal opponents for them to get back on track.

The Latics have lost their last five league games and have sunk to 17th in the Premiership, while they also crashed out of the FA Cup against Portsmouth last week.

Paul Jewell has dismissed talk of a crisis, but will be desperate to see his side pull clear of trouble.

Wigan's strikeforce posed problems for Chelsea's defence in December and John Terry remains sidelined for The Blues.

Terry had back surgery last month and his bid to return to fitness is now being hampered by a calf injury which is expected to rule him out for some time.

Ashley Cole is also suspended, so Wayne Bridge is set to revert to left-back after being pushed further forward against Wycombe.

Petr Cech, Carlo Cudicini, Robben and Joe Cole all miss out due to injury, while Shevchenko is carrying a minor hamstring problem.

Andreas Granqvist and Kristofer Haestad could both make their Premiership debuts for Wigan after playing in the FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth.

Mike Pollitt started in goal against Pompey but has since joined Burnley on a month's loan, so Chris Kirkland will return between the posts.

Gary Teale has also left Wigan during the last seven days, signing for Derby County for £600,000.

my Prediction: 2-1
Wigan's losing run to continue as Chelsea scrap for a valuable three points.

Player to watch: Frank Lampard

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Man Utd v Aston Villa preview

Aston Villa will welcome back Thomas Sorensen or Stuart Taylor for Saturday's visit to Manchester United.

Gabor Kiraly was expected to return to the scene of last week's nightmare for what was due to be the last game of his loan spell from Crystal Palace.

But, after Sorensen and Taylor returned to training, Martin O'Neill has allowed the Hungarian to go back to Palace a game earlier than anticipated.

O'Neill will make a late decision on whether Sorensen or Taylor will start in the Premiership fixture, after last week's 2-1 FA Cup third round defeat.

The Villa boss is likely to be pressed into making at least one other change from the side which lost in the cup as Stilian Petrov is set to miss out.

The midfielder has been struggling with a hamstring injury in recent games and it is expected to rule him out on Saturday.

Youngster Craig Gardner is also still sidelined with a groin complaint, so Steven Davis could be restored to the starting line-up.

Olof Mellberg is available again after suspension and will come back into the defence, but on-loan Phil Bardsley is not eligible to face his parent club.

Martin Laursen could return for the Watford game after a knee injury, but Jlloyd Samuel is hoping for a start after making his first appearance since August as a substitute in the cup.

Milan Baros, wanted by Chelsea, impressed in scoring as a substitute last week and could dislodge Juan Pablo Angel from the starting line-up, while Chris Sutton is still out.

This will be the third time the two teams have met in three weeks, with United having won 3-0 at Villa in the Premiership prior to Christmas before last week's cup tie.

Henrik Larsson marked his United debut with the opening goal in that cup success and he will hope to keep his place alongside Wayne Rooney.

United have confirmed Louis Saha is fit to return after a groin injury, but such was the nature of Larsson's bow that the Frenchman may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Solskjaer is another attacking option for Sir Alex Ferguson to consider as his side look to maintain, or even increase, their six-point lead over Chelsea.

Paul Scholes sat out the cup game and he should return in midfield in a move which could see Park Ji-sung drop to the bench and Ryan Giggs move back out to the wing.

Nemanja Vidic was another player to miss out last week and he will hope to return at centre-half as Wes Brown is out with a virus.

Edwin van der Sar will also reclaim his place in goal, after Tomasz Kuszczak was given a game in the cup.

Skysports.com Prediction: 2-0
United to complete the hat-trick against a plucky Villa side.

Player to watch: Henrik Larsson, Wayne Rooney

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Blackburn v Arsenal preview

Just 20 days have passed since Blackburn suffered a resounding 6-2 defeat at Emirates Stadium, but Mark Hughes' men have won all four games since and will be hopeful of causing Arsenal problems on Saturday, live on PremPlus.

Rovers outbattled the Premiership's fourth-placed side last season in a 1-0 win at Ewood Park, and the weekend's encounter is likely to be another stern test of Arsenal's durability on the road.

However, Arsene Wenger's men could hardly be in a more positive frame of mind as they come into the game off the back of their incredible 6-3 win at Anfield in the Carling Cup on Wednesday.

The Gunners' first XI is likely to take on a different complexion at Ewood Park, and worryingly for Rovers the Londoners will strengthen for their visit to Lancashire.

The likes of Thierry Henry, Gilberto and Tomas Rosicky should all reclaim their places, whilst Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor is back to challenge Robin van Persie for a starting role after suffering a thigh injury on Boxing Day.

William Gallas is one senior figure who will not make the game as the French international has suffered a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury, meaning Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou will fight for the right to partner Kolo Toure at the heart of defence.

Justin Hoyte will continue at right-back as Emmanuel Eboue and Lauren remain short of fitness, whilst Abou Diaby could claim a place on the bench after making his comeback against Liverpool.

Freddie Ljungberg is still struggling with a hamstring injury, and Wenger will be under pressure to start with Julio Baptista after his four-goal haul at Anfield.

Rovers boss Hughes has doubts surrounding Shabani Nonda due to a groin problem, but Benni McCarthy is currently one of the most in-form strikers in England with a goal in each of his last five outings and will return along with Robbie Savage after being rested for the FA Cup win over Everton.

In-demand defender Lucas Neill also returns to the team after serving a one-match ban, but former Arsenal man David Bentley does sit out due to suspension.

Fellow former Gunner Francis Jeffers is still short of fitness despite training on Thursday and whilst Steven Reid (back), Ryan Nelsen (hamstring) and Jason Roberts (broken metatarsal) are all making encouraging progress, the key trio are likely to be absent for another few weeks.

Skysports.com Prediction: 1-1
Two teams full of confidence to cancel each other out.

Player to watch: Benni McCarthy

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Spurs v Newcastle preview

Tottenham and Newcastle will both be seeking their first win of 2007 when they clash at White Hart Lane on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1.

Spurs have struggled to regain their momentum since losing 3-1 at Newcastle before Christmas, and were held to a surprise 0-0 draw in the FA Cup by Cardiff last week.

The Magpies also failed to see off Championship opponents in the FA Cup as they drew 2-2 with Birmingham, and Glenn Roeder's side have not won since beating Tottenham.

However, they will have been encouraged by the 2-2 draw with Manchester United on New Year's Day and will be confident of climbing into the top half of the table over the coming weeks.

Tottenham are seven points behind fourth-placed Arsenal in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification, and will be desperate to recapture their stunning home form after losing to Liverpool in their last game at White Hart Lane.

Aaron Lennon is set to return to the Spurs starting line-up after appearing as a substitute against Cardiff.

Robbie Keane, who suffered medial ligament damage against Middlesbrough on 5th December, also returned to action late on at Ninian Park and may come into the side.

Ledley King has returned to training after missing the last three games due to injury, but Calum Davenport and Michael Dawson will continue in central defence if he is not ready to play.

Newcastle are once again set to be without several of their first-choice players, with Olivier Bernard (hip), Craig Moore (hamstring), Stephen Carr (foot) and Celestine Babayaro (hamstring) all nursing injuries.

Jermaine Jenas will also be absent due to an ankle problem, but Scott Parker returns from suspension and Emre (groin) could be risked.

The likes of Paul Huntington, David Edgar and Matthew Pattison could once again be pressed into action.

Skysports.com Prediction: 2-1
Tottenham to return to winning ways against the injury-ravaged Magpies.

Layer to watch: Aaron Lennon, Robbie Keane

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For the latest injury news in the EPL, can be found on:

http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php

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Ten-man Gunners stun Rovers

Arsenal overcame the early dismissal of Gilberto to secure an impressive 2-0 victory over in-form Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

Rovers' only defeat in their last seven games came at the Emirates in December and Arsenal made it a double over Mark Hughes' men in the return encounter.

Things looked bleak for the London visitors when Gilberto was dismissed for kicking Robbie Savage, but goals from Kolo Toure and Thierry Henry sealed a fine away success.

Rovers had a great chance to open the scoring but Matt Derbyshire's header from Morten Gamst Pedersen's inswinging corner fizzed just wide of Jens Lehmann's upright.

The visitors found themselves a man down shortly after when Gilberto took exception to Savage's double challenge and kicked out at the Welsh firebrand.

Referee Rob Styles took a dim view of the Brazilian's reaction and somewhat harshly dismissed the Samba star while also giving Savage a booking.

Although not at their free-flowing best Rovers carved out the next chance in the game, but Lehmann was on hand to tip over Pedersen's shot from the edge of the box.

Lucas Neill nearly made it ten aside when he hauled down Robin van Persie, but Styles deemed Rovers to have enough cover - ensuring Neill was not the last defender.

However, Arsenal made the most of the resulting free-kick and Henry's delightful chip into the box was thundered home in off the near post by a determined Toure.

Toure was the only one attacking the ball, however, the accuracy to send the ball in off the near post left Brad Friedel stranded in the home goal.

Arsenal nearly added a second from a free-kick, but after van Persie was blocked on the edge of the box his ensuing set-piece was straight at the American shot-stopper.

Rovers boss Mark Hughes unsurprisingly made a change at the break after bringing on experienced schemer Tugay for the ineffective Aaron Mokoena.

Hughes also brought on Shabani Nonda for Andre Ooijer to bolster his attacking options, although the Congolese striker fluffed a chance from Gamst Pedersen's teasing cross.

The missed effort proved the turning point as it was all Arsenal for the remainder of the contest. Henry sent a right-footed curler just wide of Friedel's far post, but made no mistake shortly after.

The Gunners captain carried the ball from the half-way line before playing a neat one-two with Cesc Fabregas before lashing a deft shot that Friedel could only parry in off the cross bar.

He nearly netted a quick-fire brace, but he proved he is human after all and somehow fired over after initially controlling Tomas Rosicky's right-wing cross.

Despite playing most of the match a man light Arsene Wenger's side strolled home to regain fourth spot and keep in touch with the leading trio.

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Blues too strong for Latics

Chelsea got back to winning ways in the Premiership with a 4-0 victory over Wigan at Stamford Bridge.

Goals from Frank Lampard, Arjen Robben, Didier Drogba and a Chris Kirkland own goal were enough to give Jose Mourinho's men all three points and keep them six points behind leaders Manchester United.

For Wigan it was their sixth successive Premiership defeat and the loss will have them nervously looking over their shoulders.

After a quiet start Chelsea fashioned the first opportunity of the game on 11 minutes when Arjen Robben sent Wayne Bridge clear down the left and he crossed towards Didier Drogba who flashed his left-footed shot over the crossbar.

Chelsea broke the deadlock two minutes later with Lampard scoring direct from a free-kick.

There looked very little danger on when Lampard curled his free-kick goalwards from fully 40 yards out, but the ball flew into the net past the flat-footed Kirkland.

Leighton Baines came to Wigan's rescue on 16 minutes when he produced a vital tackle to prevent Salomon Kalou getting on the end of Drogba's pass inside the box.

Chelsea continued to call the tune as Wigan struggled to mount any serious attacks and Paulo Ferreira tried his luck on the half hour with a shot from the edge of the area which flew wildly off target.

The home side went close to doubling their lead on 32 minutes when Lampard worked a clever free-kick on the edge of the box with Drogba to allow the midfielder a shot on goal, but Kirkland got down well to turn Lampard's strike round the post.

Two minutes later Robben had a half chance when the ball dropped to him on the edge of the area, but the Dutchman dragged his half volley well wide of the target.

Lampard tried his luck from another free-kick two minutes before the break, but his effort flew over the crossbar.

Wigan created an opening right on the stroke of half-time with Fitz Hall heading the ball down to Lee McCulloch who saw his shot deflected over the top.

Chelsea had the first chance of the second half with Michael Ballack curling a free-kick from the edge of the box over the top.

The lively Robben wasted a good opening on 57 minutes when he shot straight at Kirkland when well placed.

Chelsea were gifted a second goal on 63 minutes when a terrible backpass from Kristofer Haestad sent Robben clear on goal and the Dutchman coolly rounded Kirkland before tapping the ball into the empty net.

Kirkland kept Wigan in the contest on 68 minutes when he tipped Robben's curling shot round the post after the Dutchman had been teed up invitingly by Kalou.

Chelsea added a third on 70 minutes with an unfortunate own goal from Kirkland.

Robben burst into the box past Kevin Kilbane and in trying to cut out his cross Kirkland deflected the ball into his own net with his arm.

Josip Skoko had a rare chance for Wigan in the closing stages with a left-footed shot from long-range which flew well wide of the target.

Drogba completed the rout in the final minute when he headed substitute John Obi Mikel's superb cross into the top corner to seal a good day for the reigning champions.

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United overwhelm Villa

Manchester United maintained their lead over Chelsea with a comfortable 3-1 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

United were made to work hard to beat the same side in the FA Cup last week, but on this occasion Villa failed to pack any sort of punch as they were clinically exposed.

Park Ji-Sung, Michael Carrick and Cristiano Ronaldo handed Sir Alex Ferguson's side a comfortable advantage at the break and although Gabriel Agbonlahor cut into the lead, the home side were not hard pressed to maintain their six-point lead at the top.

Villa, in contrast, have not won a game since 11th November and the drop zone is looming large in the mirror.

Henrik Larsson made an immediate impact against Villa last week and he came close to repeating the trick on five minutes.

Gary Neville delivered a delicious ball from the right which the Swedish forward attacked with relish. He arched his neck and directed a header towards the bottom corner, but the returning Thomas Sorensen flung himself to his right to push the effort to safety.

The home side continued to call the tune and a clever clipped pass from Paul Scholes found Larsson but he tumbled under pressure and Sorensen was able to gather Ronaldo's follow-up effort.

United's pressure was relentless and the opener came on 11 minutes, but the goal owed as much to sorry Villa defending as it did to slick play from The Red Devils.

Gary Cahill should have averted the danger following a scramble in the box, but he made a complete mess of his clearance and the ball fell invitingly for Park to slam home.

The United fans had barely had time to return to their seats when Park transformed from scorer to creator for the second.

Carrick broke up play in the middle of the field, played the ball out wide to Park who cut inside before laying the ball into the path of Carrick who slotted beyond Sorensen for his first goal in United colours.

Villa were resembling a punch-drunk boxer and Larsson and Scholes went close to making it three, while it took the visitors 26 minutes to call Edwin van der Sar into action - the keeper making a comfortable save from Agbonlahor.

United were not at their best, they did not have to be in truth, but they made it three on 35 minutes and Villa were again contributors to their own downfall.

Gavin McCann gave away possession in sloppy fashion, the ball fell to Carrick and he picked out Ronaldo at the far post and he headed home with ease.

Wayne Rooney has cut a frustrated figure in front of goal in the last month and he should have done better moments before the break as, after making a mug of Cahill on the edge of the box, he dragged his shot well wide of goal.

Scholes' renaissance this term has been one of the main reasons behind their fine play and he came close to adding a fourth when making a typical late run into the box and heading into the hands of Sorensen.

Milan Baros toiled away up front in the first half and his willing running was rewarded on 52 minutes as he held off Nemanja Vidic down the right and crossed for Agbonlahor to tap home from all of a yard out.

United did not seem fazed by conceding and another glorious pass from Scholes presented Rooney with a great chance, but Sorensen rushed from his line to block the striker's effort.

Cahill had a sorry time in the first half, but he went some way to redeeming himself when denying Louis Saha a fourth with a fine block on the line.

Sorensen made an excellent save to deny Larsson a first Premiership goal, Rooney hit the bar from 20 yards and Ronaldo was denied by the keeper as United threatened to run riot without ever managing to find the target in the second half.

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Arsenal vs Manchester United

Arsenal have the chance to derail Manchester United's title challenge when the two old rivals meet at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1.

With both historic clubs in superb form at present with their attacking philosophies paying dividends, a classic surely awaits in the latest instalment of one of the Premiership's great rivalries - which has previously witnessed all manner of conflict, as well as a food fight.

Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson have now been at odds for over a decade and, as ever, the stakes will be high when United visit Emirates Stadium for the first time.

Ferguson currently enjoys a six-point cushion at the top of the table and, depending on Chelsea's result at Liverpool on Saturday, could end the weekend with either a formidable lead or the narrowest of advantages.

The official line from North London is that emulating the 1-0 victory over United at Old Trafford earlier in the season would keep Arsenal in with a shout of the title, but with 15 points to make up Wenger will be more concerned about cementing a UEFA Champions League place at present.

The Frenchman also has the incentive of winning his personal battle of wills with Ferguson, as Wenger has won 13 of the 32 meetings between the bosses with the United chief victorious in 12.

The Gunners have looked in fine shape in recent weeks, winning all four of their games in 2007, and have captain Thierry Henry leading the charge with a goal in each of his last three games.

Robin van Persie is awaiting the results of an ankle scan to determine his chances of playing, and if the Dutch forward misses out then Emmanuel Adebayor - who scored the only goal of the game at Old Trafford - will start after shrugging off a thigh injury.

Arsenal's biggest concern is the absence of vice-captain Gilberto due to suspension, whilst senior figures Freddie Ljungberg (hamstring) and William Gallas (thigh) remain sidelined.

Emmanuel Eboue is also a doubt due to an ankle problem, and, with Lauren leaving to join Portsmouth, Justin Hoyte will continue if the Ivorian misses out.

Whichever side Arsenal put out, they will have to be at their free-flowing best if they are to engineer a win over a United side that has lost just once in their last 12 games.

Ferguson is also enjoying the benefits of a full strength squad as Wes Brown is expected to return after missing the win over Aston Villa due to a virus.

Louis Saha made his comeback from a groin injury at Old Trafford, and could return to the starting line-up in place of Henrik Larsson for the game which could have huge repercussions at the top end of the Premiership table.

Skysports.com Prediction: 1-1
Far too close to call, United may be top dogs but The Gunners are firing and have home advantage.

Player to watch: Wayne Rooney

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Liverpool v Chelsea

Liverpool entertain Chelsea at Anfield in the first instalment of Grand Slam Weekend live on Sky Sports 1 on Saturday.

The two bitter rivals do battle on Saturday lunchtime with Chelsea aiming to close the gap on leaders Manchester United and Liverpool looking to record a rare win over one of the top sides.

Jose Mourinho enjoys a 100 per cent record against Liverpool in the Premiership having won all five of his previous contests, while Rafa Benitez will be looking to get one over the Portuguese tactician.

The Reds are unbeaten at home this season and they are currently the form team in the Premiership having lost just one of their last 11 league outings.

Petr Cech is set to hand Chelsea a massive boost by returning to the side for the first time since suffering his horrific head injury last October.

The Czech Republic international has been declared fit to face Liverpool and Mourinho must decide whether or not to throw the giant keeper straight back into the deep end at Anfield.

Chelsea go into the game without influential midfielder Claude Makelele as he is suspended, but Ashley Cole is available after serving a ban.

Andrei Shevchenko remains doubtful with a hamstring problem which forced him to miss last weekend's win over Wigan.

John Terry and Joe Cole remain absent for the reigning champions because of injury.

Benitez has a decision to make in attack after he started Peter Crouch, Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt against Watford last weekend.

The Spaniard is expected to revert to two up front with all three players battling for the two spots.

Jermaine Pennant is pushing for a return to the starting line-up, while John Arne Riise is expected to replace Fabio Aurelio in the starting XI.

The Reds are still without long-term casualties Luis Garcia, Mohamed Sissoko, Harry Kewell, Bolo Zenden and Mark Gonzalez.

Skysports.com Prediction: 1-1
Honours to be shared at Anfield.

Player to watch: Craig Bellamy

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Newcastle v West Ham

Glenn Roeder locks horns with his former club on Saturday, as his Newcastle play host to West Ham at St James' Park.

Newcastle will be licking their wounds heading into the contest, having been mauled by Birmingham in the FA Cup in midweek and Roeder will be demanding a response.

The Magpies are ten points clear of West Ham in the relegation slots, but they are by no means safe and Hammers chief Alan Curbishley will be eager to see some signs of life.

Curbishley has been an active player in the transfer market and he is set to hand a debut to Calum Davenport after he completed his move from Tottenham on Thursday.

January recruits Luis Boa Morte and Nigel Quashie made solid starts against Fulham and they will look to add some attacking pep to a West Ham side which has failed to score in 13 games this season and will be without the suspended Bobby Zamora.

The Hammers will surely take confidence from Newcastle's defensive record of late, as they have gone nine games without keeping a clean sheet in the Premiership and Shay Given picked the ball out of his net on five occasions against Birmingham in midweek.

Roeder has been forced to field an extremely inexperienced defence in recent weeks and his options have thinned out further following a suspension to Steven Taylor, but Stephen Carr is on the brink of a return for the first time since 11th November and he could slot in at right-back.

Skipper Scott Parker seems certain to return to the middle of the park, but Turkish schemer Emre is still struggling with a calf strain.

Obafemi Martins has looked extremely good for Newcastle of late and he will have fond memories of playing against West Ham, as his first Premiership goal came against The Hammers in September.

Roeder, though, will be eager for the rest of his players to support the Nigerian and snuff out the threat of West Ham.

Skysports.com Prediction: 1-0
Newcastle to find a rare clean sheet and secure three points.

Player to watch: Kieron Dyer

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Reds give Jose the blues

A terrific Liverpool performance saw them coast to a 2-0 win over a very poor Chelsea at Anfield.

From the off the home side looked far hungrier and their attacking approach was rewarded with a fourth minute lead as Dirk Kuyt struck.

Before 20 minutes had gone, Liverpool's domination told again as Jermaine Pennant's struck his first goal for the club and that proved enough for Rafa Benitez - as he claimed his first league victory over Jose Mourinho.

It was a rampant first half display from Liverpool that saw them set up victory as they totally over-ran a Chelsea side which looked completely disorganised without talismanic skipper John Terry in defence.

The main talking point before the game was Petr Cech's return and he was happy to claim a Steven Gerrard header after three minutes to get his first touch of a ball for over three months.

However, within a minute Cech's next task was to pick the ball out of the back of the net as Liverpool swept into the lead. A long ball flicked on by Peter Crouch fell for Kuyt, he knocked the ball past hapless make-shift centre-half Paulo Ferreira, before coolly side-footing a half-volley into the corner.

Chelsea just could not come to terms with Liverpool's attacking play and the home side should have been two-up just moments later. Xabi Alonso's excellent ball into the box freed John Arne Riise - but Cech was down wonderfully well to make the save.

Chelsea's first meaningful chance came for Didier Drogba from a corner but he headed wide - and within minutes they found themselves further behind.

A long ball from Gerrard was headed clear by Michael Essien, the ball fell for Pennant - but with Ashley Cole backing off and inviting a shot, the former Birmingham man accepted the invitation and unleashed a brilliant effort into the top corner leaving Cech helpless.

Shaun Wright-Phillips was soon introduced for the injured Arjen Robben and that resulted in some meaningful Chelsea possession - but Jose Reina remained untested up to half-time.

Liverpool should have had the game well and truly sewn up by the hour mark and it was Crouch the guilty party for missing two great chances.

Pennant, having one of his best games for the club, was the creator for the first opportunity as he whipped in a cross from the right and found Crouch unmarked 12 yards out but he disappointingly headed tamely at Cech.

Then came a double let off for the champions as Riise unleashed a trademark thunderbolt from 30 yards which smashed off the crossbar - the rebound looked to drop favourably for Crouch but under Essien's challenge he failed to find the target.

Chelsea simply were not clicking and Drogba seemed to sum up their day with two fluffed chances from great positioned free-kicks. He first contrived with Michael Ballack - one the edge of the box - to simply give the ball straight to the home side.

Then he was picked out brilliantly by Lampard from a set piece on the right just inside the box - but he missed the ball completely with his side foot.

Wright-Phillips was just about Chelsea's best player after entering the fray earlier in the first half and his mazy run through the Liverpool backline almost resulted in a goal as he crossed from the by-line and Dan Agger was relieved to see the ball fly into the side-netting rather than the back of the net.

An excellent late intervention from Ferreira prevented Kuyt adding a third - but Mourinho could have had few complaints had Liverpool, as they should have, secured a more sizeable success.

Indeed Kuyt spurned an even better chance in the final minute when he blazed over from 10 yards after a wonderful flicked pass from Gerrard.