LONDON, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chelsea's hopes of chasing down Manchester United at the top of the table suffered a huge setback as they lost 2-0 at Liverpool on Saturday, giving pacesetters Manchester United chance to break farther away.

    Aston Villa and Middlesbrough also secured morale-boosting wins, whilst Reading beat Sheffield United and Tottenham were held at Craven Cottage.

    Liverpool ended their run of five league defeats in a row against Chelsea to deal a telling blow to The Blues' title hopes with a 2-0 win at Anfield.

    Jose Mourinho's lack of options in defense was cruelly exposed within the first five minutes as Dirk Kuyt latched onto Peter Crouch's header and finished calmly past the returning Petr Cech.

Liverpool defeats Chelsea by 2:0 during English Premier League soccer match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool, England, Saturday Jan. 20, 2007.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    On 18 minutes, Jermaine Pennant deepened the gloom at Stamford Bridge with a superb second to seal a result that is unlikely to help repair Mourinho's seemingly fractious relationship with Roman Abramovich.

    The Reds are now just five points shy of the reigning Champions, but only after Sunday's game between Manchester United and Arsenal will the real repercussions of the win be made clear.

    Charlton picked up a precious victory to move to within three points of safety following a 1-0 win at Portsmouth.

    Amdy Faye scored his first goal for The Addicks against his former club with 11 minutes to go as he looped a shot over David James to give Alan Pardew a fighting chance of avoiding the drop.

    West Ham let a two-goal lead slip as they drew 2-2 with Newcastle United at St James' Park, leaving them just one point ahead of Charlton.

    The Hammers took control when strike partners Carlton Cole (18) and Marlon Harewood (22) both showed their predatory instincts, but Newcastle leveled in controversial circumstances when James Milner's shot went through Scott Parker's legs as the Magpies captain was standing in an offside position.