The Blues went into the game in fantastic league form and they had the opportunity to climb to third in the table with a victory.

However, they were unable to do so. The Reds opened the scoring from the penalty spot through Mohamed Salah in the first half.

Nicolas Jackson pulled Chelsea level after the break but just moments later, Curtis Jones put the Reds back into the lead at Anfield.

James made his first start of the Premier League campaign after recovering from a hamstring injury. He was substituted in the 53rd minute.

Following the game, the Blues skipper said that coming to Anfield is always tough and the club failed to capitalise on scoring chances.

He said: "Coming here is always tough. I think we controlled most of the game. They had chances but we had a few chances as well but didn't take them."

Chelsea 's second defeat of the league campaign has dropped them to sixth in the table. They are now three points behind the Champions League places.

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