• Premier League

Rodgers: Chelsea parked two buses

Brendan Rodgers has taken a swipe at Jose Mourinho by saying Chelsea "parked two buses" in their 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield.

Goals from Demba Ba and Willian in added time of each half gave Chelsea all three points with Liverpool's grip on the title race loosened.

Mourinho carried out his threat to play a weakened team with several stars rested ahead of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid and Rodgers accused him of taking a negative approach with his defensive tactics.

Redknapp's 'brilliant football brain'

Jose Mourinho revelled in Chelsea's win © Getty Images

• Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho could not resist a dig at television pundit Jamie Redknapp following his side's stunning 2-0 win over title-chasing Liverpool at Anfield.
• Mourinho used his post-match interview with Sky Sports to take a swipe at the "brilliant football brain" of Redknapp, who was working as a studio analyst for the broadcaster.
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"They were very deep. There were two buses parked today, never mind one," Rodgers told Sky Sports.

"It was like a back six with three midfield players in front of that. That's 10, with the goalkeeper, for 90 minutes consistently behind the ball.

"It's the polar opposite to what we do. It's not difficult to coach, to put 10 players on the 18-yard box.

"Jose will probably shove his CV in front of me [to justify his approach] but it's not my way of working, I like to take initiative."

Asked later in his post-match press conference if he would ever set up his team with a similar approach, Rodgers answered: "What do you think?"

"[Chelsea's tactics] have prepared us for Crystal Palace," he added, with Liverpool travelling to Selhurst Park on May 5. "Long balls, long throw-ins, players behind the ball."

Chelsea were also accused of time wasting, with Ashley Cole booked late on and Mourinho even appearing to keep the ball from Steven Gerrard on the touchline at one point.

"Everyone could see from the first minute that [time-wasting] was their plan," said Rodgers.

With Manchester City now in pole position to win the title, thanks to their superior goal difference, Rodgers also insisted his players have nothing to be ashamed of following the defeat.

"I thought my players were outstanding today. We showed everything," he added.

"We are sat two points above Chelsea, with the squad they have. Nothing but pride with my players."

Jose Mourinho kept the ball away from Steven Gerrard and Jon Flanagan at one stage in the first half © Getty Images

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