Everton singing the 'Blues

2004-11-06 21:00

London - Chelsea catapulted themselves to the top of the Premiership on Saturday with a determined 1-0 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues knew they would leapfrog Arsenal if they could secure a point against third-placed Everton.

It looked like the Blues would have to settle for just a point as they struggled to break down a resolute Toffee's rearguard.

In-form Dutch winger Arjen Robben made sure Jose Mourinho's side took all the points when he ghosted clear of the Everton defence and cooly slotted the ball past Nigel Martyn.

Arsenal will regain the top spot if they defeat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in the late evening match.

Liverpool

Liverpool meanwhile slipped further back on the league leaders when they lost 1-0 at home to Birmingham.

Former England midfielder Darren Anderton broke the deadlock in the 77th minute when he scored his first goal for Steve Bruce's side.

Charlton

At White Hart Lane, Charlton heaped more misery on managerless Tottenham with a 3-2 victory as they tried to come to terms with the sudden resignation of Jacques Santini on Friday.

The Addicks took an early lead when South African striker Shaun Bartlett scored the first goal when he collected a ball from Jerome Thomas and volleyed the ball past Spurs' goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

Bartlett then doubled Charlton's lead in the first half with a fine diving header.

Spurs narrowed the lead when Robbie Keane scored from the spot after Bartlett was dismissed for handling the ball in his own penalty area.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa had earlier reignited their European ambitions by demolishing a sorry Portsmouth side 3-0 at Villa Park.

A first half blitz from the home side saw Peter Whittingham, Juan Pablo Angel and Nolberto Solano find the net as David O'Leary's side put the result beyond doubt by half-time.

West Brom failed to take all three points at the St Mary's Stadium as they drew 2-2 with Southampton.

Newly promoted Norwich fought out a 1-1 draw with Blackburn at Carrow Road.

The late goal ensures the Canaries are still searching for their first top flight victory since 1995.

- AFP