United lose at Blackburn, Chelsea held

David Bentley hit a hat-trick for Blackburn Rovers in a thrilling 4-3 win over Manchester United last night while leaders Chelsea, held 1-1 at Aston Villa, plugged on towards a second successive Premier League title.

Chelsea, who led through Dutch winger Arjen Robben's early goal, were pegged back at Villa Park but still extended their lead to 15 points despite a second successive league draw.

Second-placed United came off worst in a seven-goal thriller at Ewood Park as Rovers, who completed the league double over United this season, exacted swift revenge for their defeat by Alex Ferguson's side in the League Cup semi-finals.

Rio Ferdinand was sent off late on, capping a miserable night for the United defender who was at fault for Bentley's second goal.

Liverpool, in third spot, conceded a late goal at Anfield that allowed 10-man Birmingham to grab a 1-1 draw.

Sixth-placed Arsenal, who have not finished outside the top two since Arsene Wenger's first season in charge in 1996-97, slumped to a 3-2 home defeat by West Ham United.

Midfielder Bentley, who has been on loan at Blackburn this season, signed on a permanent basis from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee on transfer-deadline day and quickly repaid manager Mark Hughes's faith.

He netted twice in a three-goal blitz in 10 minutes at the end of the first half to send Rovers in 3-1 up at the break, with Lucas Neill also converting a penalty.

French striker Louis Saha had levelled but Ferguson's side appeared down and out when Bentley rifled in his third. On came substitute Ruud van Nistelrooy to score twice in quick succession but Rovers held out.

Chelsea appeared set to take advantage of United's slip-up but found Villa in resilient mood.

Czech keeper Petr Cech made a superb save to deny Kevin Phillips but was beaten 12 minutes from time when Luke Moore scrambled an equaliser.

"One thing we have got is a big heart and a lot of spirit," Villa manager David O'Leary told Sky Sports.

Birmingham gained a valuable point in their bid to beat the drop, Xabi Alonso's own goal two minutes from time earning reward for a battling performance. Steven Gerrard had put Liverpool ahead on 62 minutes.