Chelsea opened up a nine-point gap at the top of the Premier League with an enthralling 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.

A point apiece was a fair result and one Blues will doubtless be happy with after David Luiz’s sensational free-kick was cancelled out by Georginio Wijnaldum’s close range header.

Chelsea had to absorb early pressure and Thibaut Courtois pulled out a good save to his left to deny Wijnaldum in the 11th minute.

On a breakaway midway through the half, Eden Hazard won an innocuous foul 25 yards out when he was barged in the back by Adam Lallana.

What followed was a moment of liquid audacity from Luiz.

Hands up: Jordan Henderson of Liverpool (L) tries to block Diego Costa

With Liverpool shaped to defend a Willian cross, the Brazilian took a long run-up- with his long, damp mane flapping in his wake - and sidefooted into the bottom left-hand corner.

Conte’s men were fairly comfortable up until half-time, although Luiz took a nasty knock. Willian’s low free-kick tested Simon Mignolet on its way through a sea of bodies.

The home side’s initial burst after the break drew a fine chance for Roberto Firmino who sliced over in acres of space, before Victor Moses nicked the ball high up the pitch and dragged his shot into the side netting without much conviction.

Klopp got the response he wanted in the 57th minute.

Puff: Adam Lallana (L) of Liverpool with Gary Cahill

When a ball was flighted in behind Chelsea’s back three, Milner stooped to head back across goal and it took a nick off Victor Moses before sitting up for Wijnaldum to nod in from five yards.

Moments after the Anfield crowd rose to greet Sadio Mané, Diego Costa bounded through space in the middle of the park, turned and went down under a light kick from Joel Matip.

With only the slightest hesitation, Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot. Costa stepped up only to see his poor penalty saved by Mignolet, down to his right to make the save.

Pedro, off the bench, came close twice in the closing stages; narrowly foiled when played through on goal by Fabregas and then curling wide of the right upright.