Captain John Terry headed Chelsea five points clear at the top of the English Premier football League as his 76th-minute goal secured a 1-nil home victory over champions Manchester United.
The eagerly-awaited showdown had been meandering towards an error-strewn goalless draw short on action and atmosphere until Terry was left unmarked to glance in a Frank Lampard free kick.
Chelsea then survived United's late pressure to move to 30 points, five clear of Arsenal, who won 4-1 at Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday, and United.
Also today Hull City beat visitors Stoke City 2-1 with a stoppage-time goal, Everton won 2-1 at West Ham United while Wigan Athletic and Fulham drew 1-all.
