Chelsea FC's ambitions of a top-four finish were ended in emphatic style after losing 4-1 against Liverpool FC at Anfield.

Liverpool, who were beaten by Chelsea in Saturday's FA Cup final, started at a blistering pace and were rewarded for their intensity when Luis Suárez danced past John Terry, before squaring for Michael Essien to put through his own net. The home side doubled their lead when Jordan Henderson capitalised on a slip by Terry and calmly slotted past Ross Turnbull. Daniel Agger made it three, while Stewart Downing missed a penalty on the stroke of half-time.

The visitors came out after the break with renewed purpose and reduced the deficit when Florent Malouda's devious delivery was bundled past Pepe Reina by Ramires. However, Kenny Dalglish's side soon restored their three-goal advantage; Turnbull's misplaced pass teed up Jonjo Shelvey, whose audacious effort flew into an unguarded net.