Smicer sends Liverpool to the top

Substitute Vladimir Smicer volleyed an injury-time winner as Liverpool beat Chelsea 1-0 today to go top of the premiership.

Substitute Vladimir Smicer volleyed an injury-time winner as Liverpool beat Chelsea 1-0 today to go top of the premiership.

Smicer, who came on after Liverpool lost England midfielder Steven Gerrard to a suspected groin strain, smashed in a cross from Emile Heskey as the hosts secured a barely-deserved victory.

The win put Liverpool top of the table with 65 points, one ahead of champions Manchester United, who lost 1-0 to Middlesbrough on Saturday. Arsenal, third on 63 points, have two games in hand on both their title rivals.

Chelsea were left to rue several wasted chances as they dominated the first half.