We rate the players in the game between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea

Henrique Hilario - 6

Not involved much in the game with the Liverpool attack misfiring.

Ashley Cole - 7

Did not venture up the field as he usually likes to do but kept Dirk Kuyt quiet for the full 90 minutes.

John Terry - 8

The England captain never gave Fernando Torres or Steven Gerrad an inch. Commanded his defence with supreme confidence.

Ricardo Carvalho - 7.5

The Portuguese defender had a solid game alongside Terry to shut out Rafa Benitez's men.

Branislav Ivanovic - 6.5

Did enough to stop Rieira from rampaging down Liverpool's left flank but was caught out once or twice.

Frank Lampard - 7

Another energetic display from the England midfielder.

Michael Essien - 9

The Ghanian was key to the Blues unlocking Liverpool's defence. Played the pass to Drogba who set up Anelka for the first goal.

Deco - 6.5

Was made to look a lot better than he did by his midfield teammates.

Michael Ballack - 7

Ballack is beginning to comprehend Ancelotti's diamond formation. Frightening prospect for defences once the diamond is in full swing.

Nicolas Anelka - 9

Le Sulk never smiles but when he does, it is most often after scoring a goal. Just like he did against Liverpool.

Didier Drogba - 10

Keeping him out for 90 minutes is impossible. Even when he is man-marked, he bulldozes his way through. Set up both goals to send Chelsea back to the top of the table.

Substitutes

Florent Malouda - 7.5

Had a bad season last time out but this season, the Frenchman has been in good form as shown by his injury-time goal that gave the Reds no chance of a late comeback.

Liverpool

Pepe Reina - 7.5

The Spaniard must be getting tired of shouting at his fragile defence with Carragher the main culprit.

Jamie Carragher - 5

Another poor outing from the former England man. Let the ball go past him which led to Anelka's goal.

Martin Skrtel - 6

His brash style of play often lands his team into trouble. Needs to start doing the basics right if he is to have a long-term future at Liverpool.

Glen Johnson - 6

He huffed and puffed but could not get into the offensive part of his game with Ashley Cole keeping an eye on him.

Emilliano Insua - 6.5

The Argentina left-back was caught out by the speed and guile of the Blues attack. A steady defender but is he really good enough for the big stage?

Javier Mascherano - 7

He managed to match Chelsea's midfield in the first half but with no help from Lucas in the middle of the park, Mascherano resorted to desperate lunges.

Lucas Leiva - 6

One good game and two bad ones. Why does Benitez refuse to accept the fact that Lucas is simply not the player he wants him to be is a mystery. Answers anyone?

Dirk Kuyt - 5

Poor game from the normally reliable Dutchman. His first touch was poor and he looked lost for most part of the game.

Albert Rieira - 7

Was Liverpool's best player in the first half as he attempted to break down a stout Chelsea defence on his own.

Steven Gerrard - 5

Was he even on the pitch? It was not until his yellow card that his presence was felt!

Fernando Torres - 6

Missed a great opportunity in the first half to give Liverpool the lead. The look on his face as the minutes wore on was miserable. Almost like El Nino had given up.

Substitutes

Yossi Benayoun - 6.5

Benayoun has been one of Liverpool's best players this season. So why was he on the bench? You need to win games to win titles.

Ryan Babel - 5

Babel failed to deliver for months. Was Benitez expecting him to deliver in the few minutes he was given? No chance.

Fabio Aurelio - 6

Aurelio will be pushing for a starting slot on the left side of defence after Insua's poor outing.