Liverpool win 2-0 handing Chelsea third league defeat

LONDON, Jan 20 (Reuters) Liverpool scored twice in the opening 18 minutes to beat Chelsea 2-0 today and further dent the champions' aspirations of a third successive title.

Leaders Manchester United, on 57 points, can open a nine-point lead over second-placed Chelsea, beaten for the third time in the league, if they win at Arsenal tomorrow. Liverpool, third on 46, moved within five points of Chelsea and four clear of Arsenal.

Liverpool, beaten 4-1 by Chelsea in the corresponding fixture last season in October 2005, took just four minutes to go ahead.

Peter Crouch glanced Jamie Carragher's long ball forward into the path of Dirk Kuyt and the Dutch striker rounded Paulo Ferreira and steered the ball past keeper Petr Cech, playing for the first time since a serious head injury in October.

Liverpool went two up in the 18th minute with a superb volley from Jermaine Pennant, his first goal for Rafa Benitez's side, which went over the diving Cech and into the top far corner off the underside of the crossbar.

REUTERS SAM RK2058