Leaders Liverpool's hopes of winning their first title in 24 years suffered a huge setback when their 2-0 defeat at home by second-placed Chelsea blew the Premier League title race wide open.

Under-strength Chelsea cut the gap at the top to two points with two games to play.

The result also boosted the title aspirations of third-placed Manchester City as they can close the gap on the leaders to three points if they beat Crystal Palace in Sunday's late match.

In additional, City will also have a game in hand and have a better goal difference.

A mistake by Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard allowed Senegal international Demba Ba to score in added time at the end of the first half.

Just before the final whistle, former Liverpool hero, Fernando Torres set up Willian to score the second goal.

* Liverpool Coach, Brendan Rodgers blames defensive tactics used by Jose Mourinho for his team's defeat

Bayern boss Tuchel laments 'big setback' ahead of City visit

Football

That meant an end to Liverpool's run of 11 successive wins and brought their first League defeat since Chelsea beat them in December.

Speaking after the match, Liverpool coach, Brendan Rodgers said: ""They were very deep. There were two buses parked today, never mind one.

"It's the polar opposite to what we do. It's not difficult to coach, to put 10 players on the 18-yard box. "It has prepared us for Crystal Palace, long balls, long throw ins, players behind the ball"

Coach Jose Mourinho says after the match: "We deserved to win. We were never in trouble against a fantastic team that smashes everyone that comes here.

''Schwarzer needed to play having not played many games this season and today was good for his confidence.''

As at the time of filing this report, Manchester City are alrfeady leading Crystal Palace by 2-0 courtesy of goals from Edin Dzeko and Yaya Toure.

Authors