Chelsea strengthened their grip on the Premier League title race as they came from behind to win at Liverpool.

Emre Can's deflected shot gave Liverpool an early lead but Gary Cahill swiftly levelled for Chelsea with the help of goalline technology, confirming that Reds keeper Simon Mignolet had carried his effort over the line.

Diego Costa - a one-time target for Liverpool who had a running battle with Martin Skrtel throughout - secured the three points for Jose Mourinho's side midway through the second half to maintain their unbeaten league record.

Chelsea were superior overall, although Liverpool will complain bitterly they should have had a late penalty when Cahill appeared to handle Steven Gerrard's shot.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers made seven changes to the weakened side defeated by Real Madrid in the Champions League this week - but his ploy of making the Chelsea game a priority failed as they were condemned to defeat.