London, September 17 :

Chelsea increased the gap over title rivals Liverpool to eight points after a stunning Didier Drogba winner. Drogba swivelled and powered in a shot from 18 yards to put the Blues ah-ead before the home side’s Michael Ballack was sent off for an apparent stamp.

Steven Gerrard spurned the best chance for the visitors when he shot straight at keeper Petr Cech from eight yards.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho had waited in the tunnel for Reds counterpart Rafael Benitez prior to kick-off as the antagonism between the pair appeared to have been eased with a shake of the hands.

It needed a moment of brilliance to break the deadlock and Drogba produced it when he chested down Lampard’s ball with his back to goal.

In one move the Ivory Coast striker swivelled and unleashed a left-foot half volley with such speed and power that it left defender Jamie Carragher stunned and Reina rooted to his spot.