Didier Drogba supplied the spectacular winner as Chelsea emerged victorious from another stormy encounter with title rivals Liverpool.
Drogba scored with a left-foot volley, three minutes before half-time, but the Blues had to play most of the second half at Stamford Bridge with 10 men.
Jose Mourinho had no complaints about Ballack getting a red card for stamping on Mohamed Sissoko’s knee in the 52nd minute .