Latest: Liverpool 0 Chelsea 0

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Chelsea stood firm as Premier League leaders Liverpool looked to make their now trademark fast start at Anfield.

The home fans were quickly complaining about time-wasting tactics by the injury-hit Blues, who got men behind the ball and then had the first effort on goal.

Ashley Cole, who has never scored under Jose Mourinho, brought a good save from keeper Simon Mignolet with a stinging 25-yard shot.

Liverpool responded strongly and Philippe Coutinho missed a decent chance for them, side-footing a volley into the side netting after being found by Luis Suarez.

And when Cole had to clear off the line following a corner, Suarez thumped the ball back into the danger zone and centre-back Mamadou Sakho blazed over.

Chelsea boss Mourinho, without the injured Petr Cech, John Terry, Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto’o, as well as the suspended Ramires, named Gary Cahill among his substitutes and gave Czech defender Tomas Kalas, 20, a full debut.

Former Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge is on the bench for Liverpool, who are without the suspended Jordan Henderson.

Liverpool: Mignolet, Johnson, Flanagan, Skrtel, Sakho, Gerrard, Allen, Lucas, Coutinho, Sterling, Suarez.
Subs: Jones, Toure, Agger, Cissokho, Alberto, Aspas, Sturridge.

Chelsea: Schwarzer; Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Kalas, Cole; Lampard, Mikel, Matic; Salah, Ba, Schurrle
Subs: Hilario, Ake, Cahill, Van Ginkel, Baker, Willian, Torres.

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