Liverpool on top after ending Chelsea home run

Xabi Alonso was Liverpool’s hero as they went three points clear of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League by ending the Blues’ 86-match unbeaten league run at Stamford Bridge with a 1-0 win.

Alonso struck in the 10th minute here on Sunday when his shot was deflected past goalkeeper Petr Cech by Chelsea full-back Jose Bosingwa, whose side came into this match as leaders on goal difference.

Just after the hour mark, Alonso almost made it 2-0 when his free-kick from the edge of the box hit the foot of the post with Cech beaten.

This defeat Chelsea’s first in over four years in the league at home, was also their first in 13 matches since Brazilian manager Luiz Felipe Scolari took charge of the west London club.

For Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez it was a first away win during his four year tenure against one of their major three rivals – Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United – which had seen Liverpool garner just two points and score four goals in 12 matches against them.

Across the capital, basement club Tottenham Hotspur begin life on Sunday under new manager Harry Redknapp after luring the Engishman away from top-flight rivals Portsmouth following the sacking of Juande Ramos.

Spurs, who face Bolton at White Hart Lane, are four points adrift of second-bottom Newcastle, after enduring their worst-ever start to the season which has seen the London club lose six and draw two of its opening eight league matches.

Portsmouth, meanwhile, are at home to Fulham.

Arsenal, who started the day four points behind a top three also featuring surprise package Hull City, will look to maintain their title challenge in a London derby away to West Ham.

Sunday’s Premier League programme also sees Aston Villa away to Wigan and Manchester City at home to Stoke.