The Gunners had produced yet another victory before Liverpool had even started this clash and for a long time, Chelsea looked like they were going to get something from a sterling display at Anfield.

But Owen, who had been kept quiet all afternoon, grabbed the winner in the dying moments after Emile Heskey had hit the post.

Salif Diao was brought on after 74 minutes to take over from Murphy, but still it was Chelsea who were dictating.

Baros surged in from the right, beating Desailly and reaching the corner of the six-yard box before lifting his drive over the bar.

But with just seconds to go, Liverpool finally found the net. Diao’s ball found Heskey, who forced his way into the box and saw his shot beat Cudicini’s dive and hit the post, only for Owen to arrive first to finish the job.