Premier League round-up:Chelsea got off to a flying start against Fulham at Stamford Bridge which set them up for a 3-1 win over their west London rivals.
Nicolas Anelka put them ahead in the first minute, rounding off a fine team move with a cool side-foot finish.
Erik Nevland equalised with an angled drive across Petr Cech just three minutes later, but Florent Malouda was quick to put the Blues back in front.
Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba made the points safe in the 53rd minute as Guus Hiddink’s men moved level on points with Liverpool, having played a game more.
A howler from David James set Arsenal on their way against Portsmouth, the England goalkeeper letting Nicklas Bendtner’s back post header slip through his hands.
Bendtner slotted his second from the penalty spot after Sean Davis was adjudged to have brought down Andrey Arshavin as the Gunners went in firmly in control at Fratton Park. And Carlos Vela sealed a 3-0 win with an assured finish in the second half.
Middlesbrough stay three points ahead of bottom side West Brom, though, as Jermaine Jenas’ 43-minute curler saw the Baggies go down to Tottenham at White Hart Lane.
Substitute Jermain Defoe looked to have added a second after the break, but it was harshly disallowed for offside.
A miserable afternoon for Portsmouth was completed by the sending off of Noe Pamarot in the 78th minute for a foul on Arshavin.
Manchester City had their 3-1 victory at home to Blackburn — who are still not safe from the drop — wrapped up inside 45 minutes.
South American connection Felipe Caicedo, Robinho and Elano, the latter scoring from the spot, were all on target before Republic of Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews snatched a second-half consolation for Rovers, converting after Shay Given had saved El Hadji-Diouf’s penalty.
A cracking free-kick from Diego Tristan earned West Ham a 1-0 success at Stoke, while Wigan against Bolton was goalless.
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