Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool

Chelsea came from behind against Liverpool to go third in the league following a pulsating match at Stamford Bridge.

In a game of two halves, the first flowing and the second nervy, Blues puledl off one of their best results so far of Jose Mournho's second stint at the club.

The action started early.

Samuel Eto'o went in, studs-up on Jordan Henderson – a challenge that may well have earned him a yellow card, had it not happened in the third minute.

The resulting free kick, 30 yards out, was whipped in by Philippe Coutinho – with Luis Suarez and Branislav Ivanovic battling for the ball in the box.

It fell loose to Martin Skrtel, who took advantage of the space left by the already-committed Petr Cech to give Reds the lead.

Chelsea, stung by the start, wound up the pressure.

In the next ten minutes Gary Cahill headed wide, Oscar took a speculative shot, and Frank Lampard forced Simon Mignolet to touch over from 25 yards. Plus, there was an appeal for a Chelsea penalty as Eden Hazard was brought down in the box by Lucas.

The added Chelsea pressure paid-off.

With 17 minutes on the clock Hazard started a move that would end with his own superlative finish. Passing to Willian in midfield, the ball then went on to Oscar – who himself had a half-attempt.

Oscar's goalward kick was deflected by Mamadou Sakho into the path of Hazard – who launched a thunderbolt past Mignolet from 25 yards.

Chelsea kept up the pressure that had led to their equaliser: time after time coming forward. They did, however, lose right back Ivanovic, who seemed to strain a muscle as he fell after a Daniel Agger challenge. Ashley Cole was the replacement.

On 34 minutes, David Luiz pushed what looked light a speculative ball right to Cesar Azpilicueta.

The Spaniard gave it to Oscar who crossed for Samuel Eto'o in the box. The Cameroonian's outstretched leg beat Skrtel to the ball, and the shot went in off the flailing palm of Mignolet.

Lampard was taken off at half time, with suggestions this was due to a thigh strain. And John Mikel Obi was his replacement.

Chelsea immediately looked more compact, less ambitious even. Would this be 45 minutes of parking the bus from Blues?

Liverpool immediately saw a major opportunity go begging as Sakho headed onto the bar – Cech could only watch.

Then, at the other end, Eto'o shot a one-on-one against Mignolet's arm – with more than a hint of offside.

Chelsea kept their resolve: as the half wore-on, Liverpool looked more and more likely to score.

A Suarez free kick was, at one stage, punched clear by Cech.

The Uruguayan had an appeal for a penalty turned down: Webb considering Eto'o's thigh incapable of being responsible for the over-the-top flailing dive that resulted.

Eto'o left the field shortly afterwards, Fernando Torres his replacement.

The Spaniard, fired-up by an afternoon of abuse from the away end, set-off on a crazy, mazy run which saw him go down the right, cut in, turn, then shoot straight at Mignolet.

But Chelsea's resolve held-out.

With seven points from nine over the Christmas period, one has to suspect Mourinho has got exactly what he wanted this festive period.