Reds win

Last updated : 21 January 2007 By Al Campbell
Rafael Benitez earned his first league win over Chelsea yesterday as the Reds comfortably beat the champions 2-0 at Anfield in Benitez's 100th league game in charge.

Liverpool flew out of the box and were in front after only four minutes. Jamie Carragher's long pass was flicked on by Peter Crouch and then Dirk Kuyt headed the ball between makeshift defenders Paulo Ferreira and Michael Essien and then calmy placed the ball beyond the returning Petr Cech.

It was almost 2-0 moments later when Xabi Alonso's pass found John Arne Riise in acres of space in the Chelsea penalty area but the Norweigan's shot was well saved by Cech. Riise had another chance moments later but his 30 yard screamer was always rising and went over the crossbar.

The Reds were well on top and doubled their lead after 18 minutes. A Steven Gerrard cross was headed clear by Essien but only as far as Jermaine Pennant who brought the ball down on his chest before letting fly from 25 yards. It was Pennant's first goal for Liverpool and it was a strike worth waiting for, a finish of absolute quality.

Chelsea only briefly threatened in the first half and that was only when Liverpool were down to ten men as Xabi Alonso had to temporarily leave the field to receive treatment.

Although Chelsea improved after the break all the best chances were still created by Liverpool. Peter Crouch should have added a third after an excellent cross from Steve Finnan found him in space in the six yard box but he could only direct his header straight at Cech.

Riise then hit the bar from 30 yards and when Crouch went to head home the rebound he seemed to be impeded by Essien but nothing was given.

A clever lofted pass from Gerrard put Kuyt through with five minutes to go but the Dutch striker's volley went over the crossbar.

A fully deserved win sees the Reds close the gap on second place to five points.