Premier League review

Chelsea moved top of the Premier League with a 7-1 home mauling of Aston Villa. Frank Lampard was one of Chelsea’s heroes, the England midfielder netting four times including two from the penalty spot. Midfielder Florent Malouda also scored a brace and substitute Salomon Kalou also got on the score sheet. Villa’s only goal of the game came from John Carew.

Manchester United returned to the top of the Premier League after winning 4-0 at Bolton Wanderers in the evening kick-off. United were without star striker Wayne Rooney but his deputy Dimitar Berbatov netted a brace with an own goal from J’Lloyd Samuel and a late Darron Gibson strike giving the champions a convincing victory.

Arsenal had to settle for a point at Birmingham’s St Andrews after a 1-1 draw. Arsenal took the lead through a good effort from French midfielder Samir Nasri. Birmingham equalised through a late strike from substitute Kevin Phillips.

Tottenham defeated Portsmouth 2-0 at White Hart Lane to strengthen their position for a Champions League spot. Goals from ex-Portsmouth stars Peter Crouch and Niko Kranjcar were enough to win Spurs all three points.

West Ham were defeated 1-0 by Stoke at Upton Park. Stoke won the game thanks to a superb strike from Ricardo Fuller. Hull moved level on points with the Hammers after beating Fulham 2-0 at the KC Stadium. The Tigers took the lead from a Jimmy Bullard penalty and secured the points through a Craig Fagan strike.