Chelsea regained pole position in the Premier League with a deserved 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. In the first half United looked bereft of attacking ideas in the absence of Wayne Rooney and once Joe Cole put the visitors ahead with a clever flick from Florent Malouda's cross Chelsea always looked in control.
Ji-Sung Park and Nicolas Anelka each had optimistic penalty claims refused by referee Mike Dean.
With United too slow in their approach play Chelsea looked comfortable at the break.
In the second half United increased the pace and began to create chances as the Blues defended ever deeper.
But as the Reds pressed a clearly offside Didier Drogba converted Saloman Kalou's pass on 79 minutes to double Chelsea's advantage.
Substitute Federico Macheda bundled in late-on to set up a frantic finale and Dimitar Berbatov saw his late header saved.
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