Chelsea in Seventh Heaven, but United Still Lie in Wait

Saturday, 10th April 2010 at 12:10pm

A Solomon Kalou hat trick, coupled with strikes from Frank Lampard (two), Daniel Sturridge and Florent Malouda saw Chelsea, league leaders before the weekend, return to the summit of the Premier League with just two games remaining.

The one-sided demolition of Stoke lifted them a point above defending champions Manchester United, who ended Spurs' excellent run of form witha 3-1 victory at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Any United fans who hoped that Stoke could cause an upset were to be disappointed as the home side charged into a 3-0 lead before half time with goals from Kalou (2) and a penalty from Frank Lampard.

There was added disappointment for Stoke City fans as goalkeeper Thomas Sorenson was injured in a collision with Kalou for the second goal and was forced to leave the field.

Four second half goals sealed a memorable win and sends Ancelotti's team to Anfield on Sunday full of confidence.

Solomon Kalou

On Saturday, Manchester United had leapfrogged Chelsea thanks to two penalties from Ryan Giggs and a delightful goal from Nani.

Giggs broke the deadlock on 58 minutes but Spurs levelled 12 minutes later when Ledley King headed home a cross from the left.

Sir Alex Ferguson responded by sending on young Italian striker Federico Macheda and it was the substitute who set up Nani who burst into the box and lifted the ball over the onrushing Gomes.

Giggs then sealed the points with his second spot kick of the afternoon, slotting home after the impressive Nani was fouled by Wilson Palacios.

United travel to Sunderland on Sunday and should Chelsea fail to beat Liverpool, a victory for United would see them in control of the destination of the Premier League title.

In other matches at the top of the league, Manchester City was unable to capitalise on Spurs' defeat as they were held 0-0 at the Emirates by Arsenal.

Aston Villa moved ahead of Roberto Mancini's side thanks to a James Milner penalty against local rivals Birmingham City, while Liverpool kept their faint hopes of stealing fourth after a convincing second half display at Turf Moor brought them a 4-0 win, sending the Clarets back down to the Coca Cola Championship.

West Ham all but guaranteed their safety thanks to a 3-2 win against Wigan at Upton Park. The Hammers fell behind to an early Jonathan Spector own goal but bounced back before half time with goals from Ilan and Kovac.

Hugo Rodallega levelled the scores early in the second half, but a goal from Scott Parker was enough to secure the points for the home side.

Hull's defeat at home to Sunderland, means that Iain Dowie's side must win both their remaining fixtures, hope that West Ham lose their final two fixtures and make up a goal difference that is 23 goals worse than their nearest rivals.

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