LONDON, Feb 5: Chelsea emerged from a spate of draws to grind out a 2-0 victory over Liverpool and re-open their 15-point lead in the Premier League on Sunday.

After three successive 1-1 draws for the champions, goals in each half by William Gallas and Hernan Crespo at Stamford Bridge completed a league double over third-placed Liverpool who had goalkeeper Pepe Reina sent off late on.

In the fourth meeting between the sides this season Liverpool started brightly but faded once Gallas had turned in Ricardo Carvalho’s header after 35 minutes.

Argentine Crespo, who also had a first-half effort disallowed for offside, raced away to seal victory in the 68th minute, rifling a shot past Reina.

Chelsea have 66 points from 25 matches, Manchester United are second with 51 and Liverpool have 45, one more than fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur who beat Charlton Athletic 3-1 earlier on Sunday.—Agencies