Drogba set up goals for Nicolas Anelka and Florent Malouda to send Chelsea to the top of the Barclays Premier League.

It was just the boost Chelsea were looking for after the defeat by Wigan on their last league outing.

Drogba told Sky Sports: "It was important for us to beat Liverpool as they are a direct opponent for the title.

"It was a difficult game as always but a good one for us. You have to win at home and it is great to get the three points. We are really delighted."

Goalkeeper Hilario kept a clean sheet after standing in for Petr Cech.

On going two points clear of Manchester United, Hilario said: "It is important because we are at home. Of course there was pressure on me but I was not afraid."

Hilario made a stunning save from Steven Gerrard late on and added: "I was happy to see the ball when he hit it and happy we got all three points."

It was Liverpool's third defeat in eight league games but manager Rafael Benitez is convinced they can rally.

He said: "You have to be disappointed as you want to win every game but at this stage of the season we have to keep improving.

"We were much better defensively. Also we were playing against a good team and had our chances, so there are some positives.

"Chelsea are a good team, they work very hard. We lost the ball and they scored the first goal, so everything changed.

"We were pushing and attacking then they got the second goal at the end of the game. They have quality. It is not easy to stop every single attack.

"We have to keep going. I am really pleased with the effort of the players, who worked so hard."

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti was pleased his side had returned to winning ways.

He said on Sky Sports 1: "It was a good performance, Liverpool are a strong team. We stayed compact and a good counter-attack led to the first goal.

"We got Wigan out of our mind after that game. Today we played very well with good concentration. It was fantastic."