17 Jan 2010

Stylish Chelsea hammer Sunderland

6:15 am on 17 January 2010

Chelsea turned on the style to sweep aside an injury-hit Sunderland 7-2 in London to top English Football's Premier League with 48 points,

Manchester United's a point back after a flattering 3-0 home win over Burnley but have played a game more than Chelsea.

Liverpool's struggles continued with a 1-1 at Stoke City after Robert Huth struck for the hosts in the last minute.

Chelsea led 4-0 at halftime with goals by Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard with Michael Ballack , Anelka and Lampard completing the rout after the break.

Arsenal, who visit Bolton tomorrow, are third on 42 with Tottenham fourth on 38 after a goalless home draw with Hull City. Manchester City are fifth on 38.