LONDON - Chelsea's Frank Lampard fired the English premier league soccer champions to a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, but there was a shock for Manchester United as they went down 2-1 at home to Blackburn Rovers yesterday.
Chelsea's seventh league win in as many games gave them a strong lead over their main title rivals after United were stunned by two goals from Norwegian forward Morten Gamst Pedersen, and Arsenal drew 0-0 at West Ham.
Charlton Athletic's charmed start to the season continued as they stayed second with a 2-1 victory at West Bromwich Albion, and Bolton Wanderers are a surprise third after beating Portsmouth 1-0.
Newcastle United edged Manchester City 1-0 with a goal from England striker Michael Owen, while a wayward Everton suffered their eighth defeat in nine games this season in all competitions, losing 1-0 at home to promoted Wigan Athletic.
Liverpool needed a late penalty from France striker Djibril Cisse to draw 2-2 at Birmingham City.
With the season barely six weeks old, holders Chelsea are already looking like champions-elect.
They lead the table with 21 points from seven games, a premier league record, ahead of Charlton (15), Bolton (14) and three clubs including Manchester United on 11. Arsenal are seventh on 10.
Although they conceded their first league goal of the season, Chelsea exerted pressure from midfield and up front and turned a tricky match around.
- REUTERS
Soccer: Chelsea making all the running with seven wins
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