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Chelsea jump over Arsenal
30/03/2008 16:59 - (SA)
London - Chelsea regained second place in the Premier League on Sunday with a 1-0 win over visiting Middlesbrough.
Defender Ricardo Carvalho scored in the sixth minute to lift the Blues back above Arsenal and to within five points of leader Manchester United.
Chelsea now have 71 points, one more than the Gunners. Fourth-place Liverpool hosted city rival Everton later on Sunday.
Carvalho headed in a free kick by left back Wayne Bridge to put Chelsea ahead, scoring his first goal since April 7 last year.
Michael Essien then had a shot blocked by Lee Cattermole, and Jon Obi Mikel and Joe Cole both had shots that missed the target. Didier Drogba had a free kick deflected wide just before halftime and then header over after the resulting corner.
But Middlesbrough almost clinched a draw with eight minutes left when Alfonso Alves headed against the bar, David Wheater did the same from the rebound, and Jeremie Aliadiere shot wide.
The win was crucial for Chelsea after defending champion United and Arsenal both won on Saturday. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 35th goal of the season to help United rout Aston Villa 4-0, while Arsenal rallied from 2-0 to halt a five-match winless streak and beat Bolton 3-2.
- AP
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