Right on cue Eden Hazard beats Glen Johnson with ease, stepping on to his right foot and curling a shot from 20 yards, but Simon Mignolet sees it all the way and makes an easy stop. Can the Reds hold on for half-time? They're on the ropes.

Former England winger Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"Liverpool just have to take a little breather now. Their fans are starting to get frustrated but they need to support their team because they are going through a difficult period.

"The Chelsea players look like they believe they will get the second goal very shortly, but this game is finely balanced. First Chelsea are on top and then it's Liverpool who have a good spell. But when the hosts do get forward they don't get the ball in the box often enough for me. They get into good areas but there is only ever one player in the penalty area. Mario Balotelli needs a partner up front."

Image source, Getty Images

Steady on there Richard from Exmouth, you'll do yourself some damage with that much passion on a Saturday afternoon...

Brendan Rodgers steps out of his office and calls over Glen Johnson, asking him to do a better job of marking Eden Hazard. Solid advice.

Steve: Jordan Henderson is in a terrible run of form.

Scott in Lancaster: Mario Balotelli scores when he has space. When will we see Balotelli with a strike partner, Brendan?

Richard from Exmouth: Brendan Rogers is like The Emperor's New Clothes. The guy is an absolute charlatan who got lucky by inheriting a world-class talent who drove the team forward. An utter shambles as a top-flight manager, who is finally getting found out.

It's the men in blue who are having the best of this one now, looking a real threat with Diego Costa and Eden Hazard at the heart of it. Hazard has a shot blocked after good work down the right, before Costa has a half-hearted penalty shout waved away when his cross is blocked by Alberto Moreno.

Image source, EPA

Martin Skrtel and Diego Costa all over each other again, like teenagers at the back of a school disco. Costa loves a tussle, he is the ultimate wind-up merchant. He must be infuriating to play against.

Like a renegade detective in a gritty cop show, he lives with one foot on either side of the law...

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Anfield

"Tough physical battle developing here between Liverpool's Martin Skrtel and Chelsea striker Diego Costa - who were in opposition recently when Slovakia met Spain in the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

"Fair to say not too many pleasantries are being exchanged and Costa, in particular has shown his determination not to be outmuscled by Premier League defenders.

"Chelsea into their stride after a slow start but Philippe Coutinho's pace and trickery is offering encouragement for Liverpool."

Liverpool are back to their high-tempo, high-pressing best so far this afternoon. They are hounding the Chelsea players, with Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas being hassled like Peter Andre in an Iceland advert.

Image source, Opta

A good first half showing from Liverpool so far is highlighted by their dominance in possession. However, the stats also show that the ball is spending more time in the Reds' area than Chelsea's, suggesting that the away side are more dangerous in the final third.

Chris Deeley:, external Credit where credit's due - Anthony Taylor's doing a very good job of reffing this game so far. On top of everything immediately.

Seb Amann:, external Coutinho is bossing it today. Showing why he should be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Ash:, external Opposite type of strikers here. Everyone tries to wind Balotelli up, Costa tries to wind everyone else up.

Former England winger Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live at Anfield

"That is Philippe Coutinho at his best (see 25 mins). He ghosts past players in the middle of the park, drives at the Chelsea back four, and it is a lovely hit, forcing a good save from Thibaut Courtois. But who is following in for Liverpool? That should have been a tap-in."

Image source, PA

Diego Costa, a one-man crimewave, holds off two men before squeezing off a shot which deflects up and away for a corner. Chelsea looking threatening from every set-piece delivery and the hosts make a meal of clearing this one too. John Terry wins two headers but eventually the red shirts see it out.

Like a US TV show during a writer's strike, the early promise is threatening to tail off in this one. Bit tepid in midfield for the last few minutes. But then Philippe Coutinho breaks out of the mediocrity, lovely run away from Cesc Fabegas and a low drive from range which forces Thibaut Courtois into a sprawling save.

I'll stick with it for now...

Derby are heading to the top of the Championship table and in emphatic style, it would seem. The Rams have been clinical in this first half, converting from all of their three shots on target.

Kenny Jackett will be furious at some of his side's defending, as they have been carved open for all three goals. At the other end George Saville missed Wolves' best chance, drilling over the bar from 12 yards with the score at 1-0. Wolves need to stage quite a turnaround in this second half to avoid their fourth league defeat of the season.

Ade: Chelsea fans singing? That's a first.

James in London: Even at 1-0 Chelsea fans were making all the noise. Jose eating his words?

Andy from Armagh: Surely an own-goal from Simon Mignolet as he caught it and then dragged it back over the line with him?

Let's get physical, physical! Diego Costa barges Martin Skrtel in the back, sends the centre-back flying! Words are exchanged too, and it threatens to get out of hand until referee Anthony Taylor steps in.

No cards, just a frank exchange of views. Costa is the epitome of a right handful.'

Image source, AFP

Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson
Football Focus

"I think Steven Gerrard to America is possible, but I don't think it's imminent. He'll get another contract at Liverpool. I don't think he's definitely leaving. All he said in that interview the other week was that he wants a new contract, not that he's off."

Image source, AFP

Liverpool do have a corner from that Glen Johnson scuff - and they work it well. Pulled back low to the near post, Jordan Henderson makes the Teddy Sheringham run but fluffs his shot, a red shirt does lash in an effort though and Gary Cahill blocks - with the top of his shoulder. His neck really.

Liverpool want a penalty, they don't get it.

Liverpool seem to have their mojo back, they are moving the ball much faster than in recent weeks. Raheem Sterling looking fresh and fruity on the left this time, beating his man, but Glen Johnson eventually wastes the move with a poor ball in.

Aman Sheth:, external That goal would never have been given if not for goal-line technology.

Bonky:, external Crikey! Well done technology, nothing to debate for the Dubious Goals Committee nowadays.

Femi John Atoyebi:, external Set pieces. Liverpool's Achilles heel.