Chelsea go top after beating Birmingham

Chelsea marched back to the top of the Premier League table with an emphatic 3-0 defeat of on-form Birmingham at Stamford Bridge yesterday.

A Frank Lampard double helped Carlo Ancelotti's side end Birmingham's 15-match unbeaten run on a night when Arsenal were held to a goalless draw at Aston Villa.

Chelsea were in control from the start, with Florent Malouda heading in a Joe Cole cross to secure a fifth-minute lead.

Ricardo Carvalho then headed against the woodwork before Frank Lampard doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark.

Birmingham could have ensured a tense finale if James McFadden had not squandered a great chance to put them back in the game.

But, as it was, Lampard claimed his second right at the death to ensure Chelsea moved back to the top with the bonus of a welcome boost to their goal difference.

Arsenal, who entertain Man. United at The Emirates on Sunday, are two points adrift of second-placed United while Villa remain in seventh place.

Arsenal came closest to breaking the deadlock in an entertaining contest at Villa Park.

Andrey Arshavin forced Brad Friedel into a fine save and Tomas Rosicky's shot on the rebound cannoned off the underside of the bar but somehow stayed out.