Liverpool crashed to a surprise 1-0 loss at home to Aston Villa on Saturday, after Chelsea beat Swansea City 4-2 to move clear at the Premier League summit.
Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor scored the only goal at Anfield in the ninth minute, hooking home from close range after Philippe Senderos's header was blocked by Javier Manquillo.
After debutant Adam Lallana and Mario Balotelli shot wide, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers sent Raheem Sterling on, but the closest the hosts came to equalising was a shot from Philippe Coutinho that hit the post.
While Villa — who have not lost at Anfield since December 2010 — remain unbeaten this season, Liverpool have now lost twice, following last month's 3-1 loss at Manchester City, and trail Chelsea by six points.
Villa climbed to second, two points behind Chelsea, who came from behind to beat Swansea at Stamford Bridge thanks to a hat-trick by Diego Costa.
