LONDON - Ten-man Chelsea roared back from a goal down to trounce West Ham
United 4-1 and move closer to a second consecutive Premier League title on
Sunday, despite a 2-0 win for Manchester United over Arsenal.
With five games left, champions Chelsea have 82 points - seven more than
second-placed United after England striker Wayne Rooney scored one and made the
other for South Korean Park Ji-sung in a pulsating clash at Old Trafford.
Third-placed Liverpool stay five points behind United, having played a game
more, after striker Robbie Fowler celebrated his 31st birthday with the winner
in a 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers. Newcastle United beat Middlesbrough 2-1
at the Riverside in the northeast derby, while the Midlands derby finished 0-0
between Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion.
United's victory provided a rousing finale to the weekend's action and dealt
a bodyblow to sixth-placed Arsenal's hopes of qualifying for next season's
Champions League.
But Chelsea remain on course for a second league title, despite going a goal
down on Sunday and facing a crunch match at home to United on April 29 at
Stamford Bridge.
James Collins headed West Ham into a 10th minute lead and Chelsea's Portugal
midfielder Maniche was red-carded six minutes later for a rash tackle on Lionel
Scaloni.
CHELSEA CHALLENGE
Jose Mourinho's 10 men rose to the challenge, with Ivorian Didier Drogba
levelling in the 29th minute and Argentine strike partner Hernan Crespo putting
them ahead two minutes later.
Goals from defenders John Terry and William Gallas put the London derby
beyond doubt in the second half.
Mourinho told Sky Sports: "With 10 men for more than an hour, to go from 0-1
to 4-1 is impressive. The team played well from the first minute and the spirit
was amazing.