Maxi Rodriguez celebrated his first league start of the season with a goal that owed everything to a horrible mistake from John Obi Mikel.

It was no less than the Reds deserved as they repeatedly exposed their opponents’ high defensive line and looked more than comfortable themselves at the other end.

This afternoon's game also brought together the two players accused of racially abusing an opponent in recent weeks.

Both John Terry and Luis Suarez, who strenuously deny the allegations made against them, were spared the kind of hostile reception from rival fans they might expect against other opponents.

With Manchester City having extended their near-perfect start to the season yesterday, victory today appeared imperative for both sides if they were to retain realistic hope of catching Roberto Mancini’s men.

Liverpool made the more impressive start, almost exploiting Chelsea’s now notoriously high defensive line as twice Rodriguez got beyond Suarez and Bellamy.

It took 10 minutes for the home side to seriously threaten, Juan Mata drilling Florent Malouda’s cross dangerously back across goal.

At the other end, Branislav Ivanovic got a vital touch on Bellamy’s cross before Glen Johnson wasted a great opportunity to tee up a team-mate after a barnstorming run.

Liverpool, wearing black armbands in memory of the son of goalkeeper Brad Jones, who died of leukaemia on Friday, were looking more than comfortable, although Drogba hit the stanchion with a free-kick some supporters thought had gone in.

Terry, whose error cost Chelsea dearly against Arsenal in their last home game, made another gaffe in the 28th minute when he robbed by Kuyt but David Luiz snuffed out the Liverpool attack.

Lucas was booked for clattering into the defender but the visitors’ pressure was beginning to tell and they took the lead five minutes later after more horrendous defending.

John Obi Mikel dwelt on Petr Cech’s pass and Charlie Adam robbed him, fed Bellamy, who played a one-two with Suarez before feeding Maxi to clip over the goalkeeper.

An angry exchange between Terry and Bellamy, who have had more than one run in down the years, was calmed by referee Lee Probert.

The home defence continued to look in disarray, with Luiz conceding a needless free-kick curled over by Suarez, whose cross on the stroke of half-time was deflected behind after Chelsea’s high line was exposed once more.