The Liverpool manager was disappointed to see the Cameroon international escape punishment for a foul on the midfielder in the defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has criticised Chelsea’s Samuel Eto’o for a “wild” challenge on Jordan Henderson.

The Merseyside outfit fell to a 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge, with Eto’o notching the decisive goal with a close-range effort 11 minutes before the break.

Liverpool opened the scoring after just three minutes courtesy of Martin Skrtel’s tap-in, which came about when the visitors were awarded a free kick for Eto’o’s high tackle on Henderson.

But Rodgers believes the Cameroonian should not have been on the pitch at that stage, though he refused to criticise referee Howard Webb.

“I know we scored from it, but that was a wild challenge where he’s [Eto’o’s] raked down his [Henderson’s] knee and shin and didn’t even get a yellow card,” the Northern Irishman told reporters.

“He never even got booked for that, but he’s a top referee Howard – he’s a world-class referee.”

Rodgers also confirmed defender Mamadou Sakho is set for a spell on the sidelines after he suffered a hamstring injury late in the game, while Joe Allen will also be assessed after being withdrawn due to an abductor issue.

Brendan Rodgers defended the Reds striker after a penalty box clash with Samuel Eto’o in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho accused “wild” Liverpool striker Luis Suarez of trying to con his way to a penalty with “an acrobatic swimming pool jump” during a fiery encounter at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues won 2-1 on Sunday thanks to goals from Eden Hazard and Samuel Eto’o after Martin Skrtel had given the Reds an early lead.

But Mourinho was furious when Suarez went down in the penalty area late on under a challenge from Eto’o – and the Portuguese claims referee Howard Webb should have booked the Liverpool man.

“[Cesar] Azpilicueta was leaving with the ball and then Suarez does an acrobatic swimming pool jump. Webb was only 10 metres away and the only mistake Webb did was not to give a yellow card.

“It looks like someone has shot him in the back and that is a clear yellow card.

“Brendan [Rodgers] is doing a fantastic job on Suarez because there’s no doubt he’s changed. But in a situation like this you see the wild nature of the player, the cultural nature of the player.

“I have lots of respect for his quality and his attitude and his ambition to win every game but he tries too much to provocate certain situations.”

Rodgers, who could face an FA charge after criticising referee Lee Mason in the Boxing Day defeat at Manchester City, disputed Mourinho’s interpretation of the incident but refused to attach blame to Webb.

“You’ve seen them given – Eto’o’s not even looking at the ball,” said Rodgers. “He was being streetwise and cute. If he’s intentionally blocking his man it’s a penalty is it not?

“I think Howard is a top referee, world class. I’ll stay calm today!”

After a busy Sunday of action, Arsenal end 2013 as Premier League leaders following a 1-0 victory over Newcastle.

Chelsea finish the year in third spot with a 2-1 win over Liverpool. Tottenham end December on a high after beating Stoke City 3-0 at White Hart Lane, while Everton edged past Southampton at Goodison Park.

Goal brings you the best images from all four of Sunday’s games…