Chelsea extended their unbeaten start to the season and moved seven points clear at the top of the table with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield this afternoon.

The hosts took the lead courtesy of a deflected Emre Can effort after just nine minutes, but Chelsea soon hit back as Gary Cahill squeezed his shot over the line five minutes later.

It was Diego Costa who proved to be the match winner for the visitors, slamming a loose ball home from inside the box after good work from Cesar Azpilicueta.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at whether Chelsea were worthy winners on Merseyside.

Match statistics

LIVERPOOL
Shots: 12
On target: 4
Possession: 59%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 9

CHELSEA
Shots: 15
On target: 5
Possession: 41%
Corners: 7
Fouls: 12

Was the result fair?

Once again, there are encouraging signs for Liverpool from this match, but they can't have too many complaints at having lost today. As the stats show, the hosts saw more of the ball, but the vast majority of that possession came in front of the Chelsea defence and in areas where they couldn't hurt the visitors.

It was another professional job from Chelsea at Anfield as they kept Liverpool at bay for the vast majority of the game. Liverpool created more openings than their opponents without ever really crafting a clear-cut goalscoring opportunity, and that lack of incisiveness against such a solid defence was their downfall today.

In all, it was actually a fairly even game. The visitors did look comfortable at times, but Liverpool should have had a late penalty that may have rescued a point for them. A draw certainly would not have flattered the hosts this afternoon, but Chelsea will feel that they deserve their victory.

Liverpool's performance

There continue to be signs of improvement for Liverpool, who put in another solid but unspectacular performance this afternoon. However, they are still so far short of the high standard they set themselves last season, with the team lacking the energy, dynamism and perhaps confidence that they did during their title charge.

The hosts began today's match brightly and deserved their lead after 10 minutes, but Chelsea's equaliser saw their hold of the game slip a little. They struggled to break an organised defence down, with Mario Balotelli again not offering much up front to help the likes of Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho.

It is now three defeats in the space of a week going into the international break, which is simply not good enough for a side hoping to challenge for Champions League football. Daniel Sturridge may be back when they next play, however, and that would be a huge boost for a side desperately in need of one.

Chelsea's performance

The balance in this Chelsea side is the main reason they have made such an impressive start to the season. They can beat teams in a number of ways, and they showed that again this afternoon. They were forced to come from behind, but battled their way in front before shutting up shop and not allowing Liverpool any joy at the other end.

Their last few victories have been tight ones, and that was the case again today. They didn't create too many chances, but they were clinical when they did get a sight of goal. It was a really impressive team display, with the visitors sticking to the gameplan effectively and remaining organised throughout.

It is hard to see anyone stopping them right now. They have been to the Etihad, Old Trafford and Anfield and are still yet to lose a game this season. Talk of another Invincibles may be a little premature, but if this team are to lose a game this season then they certainly won't go down with a whimper.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Nemanja Matic: There were a number of intriguing individual battles all over the field, but it was Chelsea's team performance that was so impressive today. As such, no player stood head and shoulders above the rest, and Nemanja Matic was as good as anyone in the middle of the park. Strong on the ball and a fine reader of the game, he broke up numerous Liverpool attacks and protected his back four very well.

Biggest gaffe

This one has to go to Anthony Taylor for his failure to award Liverpool a late penalty. Steven Gerrard's strike from the edge of the box wasn't the best, but it clearly struck the arm of Cahill on the way through. The Chelsea defender leaned into it as well, so it certainly should have been a spot kick.

Referee performance

Taylor made some questionable decisions today, not least the one outlined above. However, he also made some correct calls, denying two muted claims for first-half penalties. That lack of a penalty decision late on, though, was the wrong call and one that had a major impact on the match.

What next?

Liverpool: Liverpool will be looking to end a three-game losing streak when they face Crystal Palace after the international break.

Chelsea: Chelsea, meanwhile, host West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 22.