Steven Gerrard exorcised some of his Stamford Bridge demons by scoring the equalising goal to rescue a 1-1 draw for his side against Chelsea this afternoon.

The Liverpool skipper memorably slipped at the same ground during his side's title run-in last season, but his header late in the first half cancelled out opposite captain John Terry's opener to ensure a share of the spoils in West London that all but ends the visitors' Champions League hopes.

The hosts made a combative start to the match having been given a guard of honour by their visitors, putting in a number of heavy challenges early on in an effort to prove that their title success had not dampened their desire to win.

Sure enough, the newly-crowned champions found the breakthrough after just five minutes as Terry rose above Rickie Lambert in the area to nod home a Cesc Fabregas corner - the 18th assist of the season for the Spanish midfielder.

It was also a landmark goal for the Chelsea skipper, who passed David Unsworth as the top-scoring defender in Premier League history with his 39th strike.

Liverpool responded to that early setback and threatened down the left through Glen Johnson's enterprising run, before Philippe Coutinho called Thibaut Courtois into action for the first time with a powerful drive from inside the box.

Raheem Sterling then dragged an effort wide from 25 yards before Chelsea began to get on the front foot once again, causing the visitors problems down the left flank in particular.

Their next chance came down the right, however, as Fabregas snuck in behind the defence and drew a smart save from Mignolet with a powerful drive from a tight angle.

Just as it looked as though Chelsea would go into the break ahead, Gerrard popped up with his second headed goal in as many games, peeling off his man at the back post to nod a simple finish in from close range.

Liverpool began the second half brightly too, and probably should have taken the lead when Coutinho could only cushion a volley narrowly past the post, having latched onto a Sterling cross from the left.

Chelsea were looking threatening on the break, however, and Willian came within inches of restoring his side's lead with a low drive that zipped narrowly past the far post courtesy of the slightest touch from Mignolet.

Willian had another chance on the break shortly afterwards, picking the ball up in space on the right side of the area. However, his first touch allowed Martin Skrtel to get across and make an important sliding challenge.

An end-to-end second half then swung towards Liverpool again as Adam Lallana found space to shoot on the hour mark, but his effort was deflected behind for a corner.

Things settled down after that as both sides failed to make the most of some promising attacking positions, although Fabregas did threaten with a little under 20 minutes left.

The midfielder weaved his way past a couple of challenges on the edge of the box, only to fire a low effort straight at Mignolet.

Fabregas was again involved shortly after, this time getting the luck of the bounce off Jordan Henderson on his way into the area, only for Skrtel to make a last-ditch block from the Spaniard.

A subdued Eden Hazard suddenly burst into life during a good period of pressure for the hosts, dancing his way past a couple of challenges before finally being dispossessed before he could pull the trigger.

At the other end, Sterling embarked on a run of his own and almost saw his low cross deflect off Gary Cahill and in, but Courtois got down well to prevent the ball from creeping past him at the near post.

Another deflection almost undid Chelsea with just two minutes left, but Courtois was able to recover in time and prevent Coutinho's effort from bobbling in.

Liverpool had another chance from the edge of the box moments later when the ball dropped to Henderson, but he could only drag his volley wide of the target.

Chelsea held out for the point to maintain their unbeaten home record in the league this season, while Liverpool are now six points behind fourth-placed Manchester United with just two games remaining.