The Germany midfielder was shown a straight red card by referee Mike Riley for a blatant stamp on Mohamed Sissoko and can have few complaints after television replays clearly backed up the decision.

After injury in the Community Shield hampered the start to Ballack's career at Stamford Bridge, now the German star is facing a three-match suspension for the reckless challenge which led to his 51st minute dismissal.

Despite the irresponsible actions of the former Bayern Munich talisman, ten-man Chelsea managed to extend their dominance over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, collecting their 11th win in their last 15 encounters, thanks to an inspired piece of finishing from Drogba.

The Ivory Coast player has been inspired by the pre-season arrival of Andriy Shevchenko from AC Milan and is clearly relishing the competition from the 30 million pound Ukrainian international.

Shevchenko -- in a match watched by among others golf superstar Tiger Woods -- had another disappointing afternoon and was substituted after 65 minutes for the fit-again winger Arjen Robben, but Drogba, having already scored in three of the opening four Premiership games, conjured a lead for Chelsea out of nothing in the 42nd minute.

Drogba, with his back to goal and Jamie Carragher fixed tight to him, seemed to have no options as he controlled Frank Lampard's cross in a central area, 20 yards from goal, but a smooth swivel and shot enabled Drogba to dispatch a venomous left foot strike beyond Jose Reina.

The goal was incredibly harsh on Liverpool, who could easily have held a half-time advantage of their own.

Dutch international Dirk Kuyt rocked the crossbar with a powerful shot from the angle of the penalty area as he searched for his first goal since arriving from Feyenoord.

And England midfielder Steven Gerrard should have made more of another well thought out and executed attack in first half stoppage time.

There is no love lost between the two sides or their respective managers after the controversial Champions League semifinal between the two 16 months ago.

Although Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and his Liverpool counterpart Rafa Benitez did at least shake hands before the match, unlike in last month's Community Shield in Cardiff, Mourinho did little to thaw the frosty relations by constantly leaping from his seat in the first half to moan to referee Riley about what he saw as constant complaining of Liverpool players Craig Bellamy, Jermaine Pennant and Carragher.

Yet he remained passive when Ballack's cowardly attack on Sissoko, after the Liverpool midfielder had laid the ball off inside Chelsea territory, threatened to jeopardise their bid for a third straight win.

Liverpool certainly enjoyed a dominance of possession after Ballack's departure and would have taken a point, but for the failure of Gerrard to accept their best opportunity after 68 minutes.

Gerrard had the goal at his mercy when the ball bounced invitingly for him inside the Chelsea penalty area, but shot straight at the legs of Petr Cech.

Benitez knows that his side cannot spurn such opportunities if what he regards is the best blend of home-grown and international players he has assembled at Anfield are going to challenge Chelsea for the title this season.

His mood was certainly not improved by Riley's refusal to award a penalty 15 minutes from time for what he believed was a clear push on Gerrard by John Terry, the man who beat the Liverpool talisman to the England captain's job under new coach Steve McLaren.