4 Mar 2009

Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal all win

11:18 am on 4 March 2009

Chelsea have narrowed Manchester United's lead in the English Premier football League to four points with a 1-nil victory at Portsmouth while Liverpool also kept their slender title hopes alive with a 2-nil home defeat of Sunderland.

United have two games in hand on both, starting with their trip to struggling Newcastle United tomorrow.

Fifth-placed Arsenal ended their recent goal famine when Nicklas Bendtner scored twice in a 3-1 victory at bottom club West Bromwich Albion which put them just three points behind Aston Villa in the race for a top-four spot.

Chelsea were unimpressive in torrential rain at Fratton Park and the home side had two glorious opportunities to go ahead before Didier Drogba's fine finish 11 minutes from time settled the points.

It was Chelsea's fourth consecutive victory by the odd goal since Guus Hiddink replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari as manager.

Chelsea have 58 points from 28 games but are above long-time leaders Liverpool on goal difference.