Liverpool player ratings

5 Petr Cech

With skull cap and chin guard, looks like he is auditioning for a lead role in Gladiators, but is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Proved it when Torres broke through alone in the first half. No chance with goal by Kuyt.

6 Paulo Ferreira

Did a steady job on Babel, keeping him quiet and forcing the Dutch flyer periodically to swap flanks. Might have got forward more to provide support for Joe Cole, but had enough on his plate coping with Babel.

6 Ricardo Carvalho

A favourite of José Mourinho, the former manager, and not difficult to see why. Always in the thick of it – no better illustrated than when Kuyt ran through on his own and Carvalho saved the day.

6 John Terry

Set the tone early with several crunching challenges, yet seemed to lose his way as Liverpool piled on the pressure towards the interval. Still, one of the reasons why Torres was not seen at his most effective.

5 Ashley Cole

Enjoyed a decent first half, pushing forward as much as he could. Nowhere to be seen when Kuyt initially scampered through and left with too much ground to make up as Makelele was found wanting.

6 Claude Makelele

Seemed comfortable breaking down the Liverpool moves. All too easy. Not so simple, though, when the home side took the lead. Mascherano’s pass looped up and over and Makelele missed. Kuyt made him pay.

4 Joe Cole

Flitted about on the right wing without ever playing a full part. More effective when – presumably as boredom set in – he moved inside, but could not produce scoring touch when Lampard dissected Liverpool cover.

4 Michael Ballack

Often flatters to deceive and was at it again. Cruised effortlessly in midfield and found time to help out the defence, heading away at the far post from a corner. But Chelsea expect more and it was not forthcoming.

4 Frank Lampard

Has not had the easiest of months with his mother ill in hospital. First game back after absence and, not surprisingly, was rather subdued. Could have done with a bit of assistance from Ballack but rarely got it.

3 Florent Malouda

Not been used much by Grant and, on this evidence, not difficult to see why. Should have offered more back-up for Drogba but soon drifted into obscurity. Questionable selection and wasted second-half chance.

5 Didier Drogba

Forceful presence when on song and, initially, it looked like one of his barnstorming nights. Fouled by Carragher but hit free kick tamely at wall. Tried to win penalty under challenge by Carragher, but theatrics not convincing.

Substitutes: Salomon Kalou (for Joe Cole, 62): Chelsea did threaten after Grant ordered them forward. Kalou was subdued, though — until his cross found Riise for the equalising goal. 4

Nicolas Anelka (for Ballack, 85).