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It was a match which portrayed contrasting fortunes like none of the others did. When Mourinho's men visited Anfield in spring and churned out a victory, it was Liverpool who were left devastated but, come autumn, the tables have turned and how.
The first half was absorbing, with Liverpool looking extremely bright in the opening stages. And to everyone's surprise, they took the lead in the 9th minute via a long range effort by Emre Can which took a huge deflection off Gary Cahill's back, thereby leaving Courtois rooted to his spot.
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Chelsea however fought back valiantly and depicted an amazing amount of work rate which eventually led them to their equalizer. Gary Cahill compensated for his error at the other end by blasting a shot from point blank range which was saved by Mignolet initially, but ultimately crossed the line due to the Belgians backward momentum.
Chelsea began to strenghten their grip on the game and ultimately got the all important winner courtesy of their goal machine, Diego Costa, who rallied his shot pass Moreno and Lovren. There were some special talents on display in this encounter but how did they fare individually? Find out right here.
Liverpool
Simon Mignolet: 6/10
Mignolet didn't have the best of afternoon's at Anfield, as he was the sole reason for Chelsea grabbing their equalizer. Even after that, he didn't show much promise and made a string of simple saves, mainly off Hazard's attempts in the first half.
Glen Johnson: 6.5/10
The England right-back's primary role was to keep a lid on Eden Hazard which he didn't fulfil commendably. He made a few cleverly timed runs down the right flank, however, his crosses into the box were extremely inconsistent and wayward.
The highlight of Johnson's display were two very crucial blocks of Hazard's shots on goal; one of which was destined to end at the back of the net which was evident from the former Lille wingers frustration after the block was committed.
Martin Skrtel: 5/10
Slovakian international Skrtel was involved in a somewhat naughty duel with Diego Costa, with the duel turning somewhat ugly at times. The spat commenced after an early nudge by the Spanish striker and the constant physical battle between them forced the referee to intervene between them and it looked like he was running out of patience with the duo.
The pair had to separated by teammates as they went off the pitch as the half time whistle was blown. It transpired that the duo had a history when their respective sides took on each other during the European Championship qualifiers.
Dejan Lovren: 6/10
Primarily, Lovren was brought into the side to add an imposing presence at the heart of The Kop's defence. He made a couple of mistakes at the start of the match and was troubled by Costa throughout the match by Costa and outpaced by the Spaniard on a couple of occasions too.
At some times, Ramires overpowered him too but the former Southampton defender improved as the game progressed and kept a watchful eye on Willian. Lovren adopted a no-nonsense approach and was cautious as far as his clearences were concerned.
Alberto Moreno: 6/10
The Spaniard endured a forgetful afternoon and had minimal impact on proceedings. Although the former Seville man made a few decent contributions defensively, it didn't propel his overall performance for the team.
However, the amount of stamina he posseses is appreciable and the darting runs down the left wing made in order to assist Sterling were a testament to his high work rate. He had to deal with Ramires, Ivanovic and Oscar is patches and did decently against them.
Steven Gerrard: 6.5/10
iverpool icon Gerrard had a sloppy start to the game, giving away passes to the opposition in potentially dangerous positions. However, he looked determined to get things right after a string of disappointing results had left Liverpool demoralized.
One of the most disappointing aspect of his game on the day was the forgetful deliveries he launched in the box. The former England internationals defensive contributions were noteworthy though, as he sniffed out danger posed by Chelsea attackers on a number if occasions.
Jordan Henderson: 6.5/10
Quite contrary to last season, Henderson hasn't done enough in attack or defense this season. His influence became increasingly limited as Chelsea began to retreat. His industry can never be doubted but he has done nothing lately.
He was confined in defense today and his ball retention was poor. In addition to that, Henderson took lot of time to sort his feet in crucial areas and didn't click well.
Philippe Coutinho: 5.5/10
The Brazilian put in a more than decent shift today and was amazing when the ball was at his feet. He dribbled immaculately and got away from his marker quickly and with consumnate ease.
His powerful surges down the middle were dangerous and he also pulled off some decent shots from his right foot. He was subbed off later in the game for Italian international Fabio Borini.
Emre Can: 7/10
German international Can saw his very first attempt on goal sail over the crossbar but immediately after that, he was afforded extra space outside the penalty box and made the most of it, unleashing a shot from his right foot which took a massive deflection off Gary Cahill and left Courtois helpless.
He tracked back with assurance and added the extra oomph to Liverpool’s lacklustre attacking line.
Raheem Sterling: 7/10
The addition of Ramires to Chelsea's lineup was because of Sterling's growing threat. He was needed in defense as much as in attack but looked like he was fighting the battle on his own with no kind of support in attack. He must be missing Sturridge and Suarez the most.
Mario Balotelli: 5/10
Stranded at the front for most of the match, Balotelli didn't have any significant attempt on Courtois's goal. The striker is improving with every game which is elapsing but there is still something which he seems to be lacking.
That attacking punch, instinct and finishing touch is absent and he has a lot to improve on before the Liverpool faithful invest their faith in him.
Substitutions:
Fabio Borini: N/A
Was brought on for Phillipe Coutinho to add more pace and energy to Liverpool’s attack but even after trying very hard, couldn't provide that vital breakthrough.
Joe Allen: N/A
Former Swansea City midfielder Allen replaced the visibly tired Emre Can but didn't have much of an impact on the game. His only contribution came in the form of a cross to Henderson's deflected right foot volley.
Chelsea
Thibaut Cortouis: 7/10
The tall Belgian goalkeeper couldn't do much about the first goal his team conceded butlooked extremely solid and assured at the back. He is an extremely reliable presence and someone you can bank on to make a good save. He pulled off a very good safe off Raheem Sterling's right foot thunderbolt in the 53rd minute.
Branislav Ivanovic: 7/10
Clearly the best full back in the league, Ivanovic put in a radiant performance against Brendan Rodgers' s men and was omnipresent in attacking as well as defensive positions. The right-back linked up beautifully with Eden Hazard on the right flank and proved to be a source of nuisance for Alberto Moreno.
The highlight of his match was his darting run passed three Liverpool defenders in the second half. His continuous runs up and down the pitch showed what kind of stamina he posseses and why he is called a tank.
Gary Cahill: 6/10
The English defender was at the centre of controversy though the course of the match. He was responsible for Emre Can's goal early in the first half. After that he himself scored the equalizer for Chelsea and was caught in the midst of a penalty appeal which should have gone Liverpool's way.
The former Bolton Wanderers defender however, racked up an appreciable performance in defense and made the Chelsea backline look pretty solid.
John Terry: 7.5/10
If anybody ever was thinking that Balotelli would trouble Terry during the game, they'll probably be laughing at themselves now. The former England captain looked very comfortable at the back and posed a regular threat during set pieces.
He did afford a bit of extra space in the early stages of the game but improved significantly in the latter stages.
Cesar Azipilicueta: 7.5/10 Azipilicueta was troubled in the initial stages by the pace and trickery of Philippe Coutinho and the physically stronger Mario Balotelli. The duo engaged in an intense dual battle which subsidized as the gane progressed.
The Spaniard linked up with the wingers like a house-on-fire and made menacing runs up and down the flank, one of which culminated in a goal.
Cesc Fabregas: 6/10
He endured a bit of a waiting game but then got more involved in the game as time elapsed. With some impressive defensive contributions in addition to beautifully weighed balls upfront and via set pieces, Fabregas proved why he is one of the best in what he does.
He provided some clever balls while on the counter attack and his eye for a killer pass also made him a threat.
Nemanja Matic: 8/10
The big Serbian has been in great nick of late and carried his stellar performances into this match. He acted like a solid shield in front of the back four and won the ball by dispossesing the opponents with ease.
Not only does Matic contribute defensively, his powerful runs down the middle of the park provide an impetus for a dangerous counter which might rip open the oppositions backline.
Ramires: 6/10
Included in the lineup to minimize Sterling's influence on the match, Ramires started the game positively. A display of flair with a swift turnaround with the ball was hoe he kicked off proceedings.
As always, Ramires showed an impressive work rate and made good use of the ball in attacking positions. Starting a match for the first time since September, the Brazilian contributed well in defense too. He was later brought off and replaced by Willian.
Oscar: 7/10
Oscar did not enjoy a very good start to the game. He misplaced his passes and gave the ball away cheaply. However, he worked hard throughout the first half and provided a beautifully weighed ball through to Ivanovic midway through the opening 45 minutes.
He was later booked for a careless lunge on Glen Johnson.
Eden Hazard: 8/10
Whenever he got the ball, it looked like something was on for Chelsea. His confidence on the ball, charisma and ease on the counter signify the kind of player Hazard has become.
Diego Costa: 7.5/10
Very often you feel that the best way to stop Diego Costa is to entice him to earn a red card. He was involved in a physical battle with Skrtel throughout the game and that is what bought the best out of him.
He adopted his usual unabashed and brash approach and showed an unquenchable desire to get into the box and create something out of nothing. A true matchwinner, the Spaniard is the best replacement Chelsea could have got for Didier Drogba.
Substitutions:
Willian: 6/10
The Brazilian came on in the second half and replaced his compatriot Ramires. Willian was thrown into the mix by Jose to add the missing guile, creativity and trickery which could propel Chelsea further.
Didier Drogba: N/A
Chelsea legend Drogba was bought on late in the match to add some fresh legs and replaced his successor Diego Costa. He didn't have any significant impact on the match.
Filipe Luis: N/A
Former Athletico Madrid defender Luis came on in place of Hazard in stoppage time just to keep a lid on proceedings. It was a measure taken by Mourinho to blank out any late surge Liverpool could've made.
