Liverpool snap Chelsea's unbeaten home run

(CNN) -- Liverpool ended Chelsea's 86-match unbeaten run in league matches at Stamford Bridge as Xabi Alonso's goal gave them a 1-0 win on Sunday.

Alonso (left) is congratulated by Robbie Keane after his breakthrough goal.

Liverpool's victory lifts them three points clear of Chelsea and surprise third placers Hull City and is further indication of the strength of their challenge for a first English title in 19 years.

Spanish midfielder Alonso scored in the 10th minute with a shot that was deflected into the net by Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez hailed the growing confidence of his team and the character they showed as Chelsea battled hard to equalize.

"I thind the understanding betweeen the players is better and the belief is really good," he told Sky Sports News.

"We have players with quality and players that can change the game," he added.

Claudio Ranieri's Chelsea side lost in February 2004 to Arsenal, but the London club hadn't been beaten at home in the Premier League since then -- a record that remained intact under Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant.