Fabio Borini breaks Chelsea hearts at Stamford Bridge. Source: AP/Press Association Images

ON-LOAN LIVERPOOL STRIKER Fabio Borini admitted his phone had not stopped buzzing with congratulatory messages from Reds teammates after he scored the winner for Sunderland against Chelsea.

The Italian striker, who was loaned out to the Black Cats at the start of the season, slotted home an 84th minute penalty to seal a 2-1 win. The result — Chelsea’s first home league defeat under Jose Mourinho — has severely dented the Londoners’ title hopes and given Sunderland hope of avoiding the drop.

The Sunderland win moves Liverpool one step closer to their first league title in 24 seasons. Borini told reporters, post-match, that he was being bombarded with messages from friends, many of whom are from the Merseyside club.

He said: “My phone is still vibrating now. I’m not sure exactly who, but it’s probably just my friends joking about me and the goal.” He added:

If I did think about what the goal would mean for Liverpool it was only for a fraction. I only really thought about Sunderland, this is the shirt I’m wearing now and this relegation battle is very important for the club, for the team and for me.”

The 23-year-old told the BBC that not many football fans would have given Sunderland hope of avoiding the drop but four points in two games, against Chelsea and Man City, have altered matters. The League Cup finalists can climb out of the relegation zone if they win their game in hand.

Liverpool, meanwhile, can go five points clear at the summit of the Premier League if they beat Norwich at Carrow Road this afternoon.