Chelsea 1-3 Liverpool: Jose Mourinho hits new low as champions humbled

The pressure on Jose Mourinho intensified further as Chelsea slipped to a 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Two goals from Philippe Coutinho and a late strike from Christian Benteke cancelled out Ramires' opening goal as Liverpool won their first game in the Premier League under Jurgen Klopp.

Chelsea's defeat means this is their worst start to a league season since 1978/79 with Mourinho losing nine of his last 17 games in all competitions compared to just four defeats in 54 games last season.

There was a surprise inclusion for Diego Costa, who recovered from a rib injury sustained in midweek, but Cesc Fabregas was left out - the first time the Chelsea boss had dropped the midfielder in the Premier League.

Benteke was only fit enough for the bench for Liverpool so Roberto Firmino started up-front as the only change from the 1-1 draw at home to Southampton last Sunday.

Mourinho will have been demanding a fast start and his players delivered. Azpilicueta raced away down the left flank and picked out the on-rushing Ramires, who beat Alberto Moreno to the ball and powered a header into the net from close range.

An early goal should have settled the hosts into a nice rhythm but it was Liverpool that looked the more confident with the ball.

Despite their forward pressing, chances were at a premium until 28 minutes when Adam Lallana had an opportunity to turn in a James Milner cross from about 10 yards out but it was straight at Asmir Begovic.

Chelsea huffed and puffed but apart from flashy bursts forward by Willian they looked toothless in attacking areas with Eden Hazard and Diego Costa maintaining their underwhelming form.

With half-time approaching, Liverpool drew level. The visitors worked the ball to Coutinho on the edge of the box and he danced inside before curling a fantastic effort into the far corner. Klopp celebrated while Mourinho stormed straight down the tunnel.

Klopp's arrival at Anfield has spiced up events in the technical area and he engaged in some fiery dialogue with a member of the Chelsea backroom staff, who was sitting in the stands, after Willian was fouled by the dugout on 57 minutes.

Mourinho remained in his seat for that episode but sprung into life on 68 minutes when Lucas, who was already on a booking, committed a foul on Ramires in the middle of the pitch. The Chelsea players surrounded the referee calling for a second yellow and Mourinho fumed on the sidelines but referee Mark Clattenburg waved away the protests. 

Oscar nearly caught a back-pedalling Simon Mignolet out from 40 yards but just five minutes later Chelsea's season hit a new low as Coutinho grabbed his second.

The Brazilian wriggled into space in the penalty area and his shot deflected off John Terry past the despairing dive of Begovic.

With Stamford Bridge stunned and chants of "you're getting sacked in the morning" emanating from the away end towards Mourinho, Liverpool got their third on 83 minutes.

Benteke picked the ball up in the box, found a half yard of space and picked his spot to find the far corner.

Chelsea and Mourinho had no response.

Chelsea-Liverpool talking points

Jose under pressure, red card controversy and Coutinho's impact

Player Ratings

Chelsea: Begovic (6), Zouma (6), Cahill (5), Terry (4), Azpilicueta (7), Mikel (5), Ramires (6), Willian (7), Oscar (6), Hazard (5), Diego Costa (5).

Subs: Fabregas (6), Kenedy (6), Falcao (6).

Liverpool: Mignolet (7), Clyne (7), Skrtel (7), Sakho (7), Moreno (7), Lucas (7), Can (7), Milner (6), Lallana (7), Coutinho (8), Firmino (7).

Subs: Benteke (7), Ibe (6), Lovren (6).

Man of the Match: Philippe Coutinho