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Schwarzer performance at Liverpool lifts Chelsea boss Mourinho

Mark Schwarzer could be the unlikely hero in Chelsea's pursuit of the Premier League title.

The Australian goalkeeper was making just his second Premier League start of the season on Sunday when the Blues upended league leaders Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield.

The highest-scoring side in England's top flight this campaign were unable to find a way past the 41-year old Socceroos legend who produced eight saves to deny the likes of Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard, Joe Allen and Daniel Sturridge.

Schwarzer is now an integral part of Jose Mourinho's setup, following the season-ending shoulder injury to Petr Cech, and could quite possibly end the season with a Premier League medal if results involving Liverpool and third-placed Manchester City go Chelsea's way.

What's more remarkable is that the former Fulham star has made an impact in the Champions League, keeping a clean sheet in the semi-final first leg at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, ahead of the return bout at Stamford Bridge this Wednesday.

Schwarzer has made nine appearances for the Blues this season, having a hand in seven clean sheets, which prompted praise from his manager who preferred him to Portuguese gloveman Henrique Hilario.

"Schwarzer is very good, very solid and very experienced," said Mourinho.

"When Liverpool started putting long balls in the area, (Gary) Cahill, (Branislav) Ivanovic, were like fish in water, easy for them.

"Mark made a couple of good saves: good for him. We made a decision for him to play instead of Hilario as he needed to play."

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Andrew Slevison
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