Alonso’s ninth-minute shot was deflected beyond goalkeeper Petr Cech by Blues full-back Jose Bosingwa.

Chelsea struggled to get back into the game and their best effort was a long-range effort from Deco that flew just wide of an upright.

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.

Frank Lampard, so often their inspiration, won a corner in the 33rd minute with a deflected shot.

Although the flag-kick came to nothing, Chelsea continued to enjoy their best spell of the game.

Bosingwa sent over a myriad 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 Steven Gerrard looked to be heading for an early bath for a nasty-looking foul on Bosingwa.

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