Chelsea hammer Sunderland 7-2

Chelsea turned on the style to sweep aside Sunderland 7-2 at Stamford Bridge today, while Manchester United managed a flattering 3-0 home win over Burnley to stay on their tail.

Chelsea top the standings on 48 points, one ahead of United, who have played a game more.

Arsenal, who visit Bolton Wanderers tomorrow, are third on 42 with Tottenham Hotspur fourth on 38 after a goalless home draw with Hull City. Manchester City, away to Everton later on Saturday, are fifth on 38.

Chelsea flew out of the blocks against an injury-ravaged Sunderland and led 4-0 at halftime with goals by Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard while Michael Ballack and a second each for Anelka and Lampard completed the rout.

Manchester United were far less fluent against a Burnley side who beat them at Turf Moor in August but got home with second-half goals by Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney and Mame Biram Diouf.

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

The results

Chelsea 7 Sunderland 2
Manchester United 3 Burnley 0
Stoke City 1 Liverpool 1
Tottenham Hotspur 0 Hull City 0