The road to Europe took Liverpool and Chelsea down a cul-de-sac last night after a richly entertaining draw that leaves both confronted by an anxious finale to the season.
With Liverpool needing a win to secure their first-ever place in the Champions League and Chelsea seeking the victory that would see them in next season's UEFA Cup, this was a result that neither side really wanted.
Liverpool, in particular, will feel aggrieved after twice taking the lead through Michael Owen only for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to reply with a double of his own. Gerard Houllier's side must now win at Charlton in 10 days' time, while Chelsea will require a point at Manchester City.
Chelsea arrived on Merseyside with a sequence of only four defeats from their previous 18 Premiership fixtures offering salvation to a season of mishap and muddle and with Houllier's side also in impressive form, having won their last six games, it made for an absorbing encounter.
There is a renewed sense of togetherness about Liverpool these days and when they took the lead after only seven minutes it was the fruit of some exquisite link-up play.
The opening was instigated by Patrik Berger's reverse pass but it was Gary McAllister's clever dummy that did all the damage. The move put Owen clear and he expertly put the ball over the exposed Carlo Cudicini.
A few months ago, such a setback could easily have been the catalyst for a Chelsea capitulation. Yet durability is one of the ingredients Claudio Ranieri has added to the pot and within five minutes they were level.
There did not seem much on when Marcel Desailly picked out Hasselbaink but the Dutchman's strike had the power and precision to beat Sander Westerveld from 35 yards.
On the hour Sami Hyypia's shot thundered into John Terry's face. Hyypia then headed the ball back into the six-yard area and Owen smashed in a volley.
Yet again, however, Liverpool's joy was short-lived. On 66 minutes, Hasselbaink broke clear again before unleashing another venomous drive past Westerveld for his 25th goal of the season.
Liverpool: Westerveld, Babbel, Henchoz, Hyypia, Carragher, Gerrard, Hamann (Murphy 72), Berger (Smicer 58), McAllister, Heskey (Fowler 81), Owen. Subs Not Used: Arphexad, Vignal. Booked: Babbel. Goals: Owen 8, 60.
Chelsea: Cudicini, Melchiot, Desailly, Terry, Le Saux, Morris (Jokanovic 88), Dalla Bona, Wise, Zola (Poyet 90), Hasselbaink, Gudjohnsen (Babayaro 84). Subs Not Used: De Goey, Leboeuf. Booked: Hasselbaink, Le Saux, Desailly, Melchiot. Goals: Hasselbaink 13, 67.
Referee: D Gallagher
