Gap Between Manchester United And Chelsea Closes

Nine games took place Saturday in the English Premiership:

At London:

At a local derby, Frank Lampard's goal (18') was the only one scored as Chelsea moved within three points of league-leading Manchester United following their 1-0 road win over relegation-theatened Charlton Athletic.

At Liverpool:

The 205th Merseyside Derby between hosts Liverpool and Everton ended stalemated at 0-0.

At Middlesbrough:

Thierry Henry's equalizer (77') enabled 10-man Arsenal to salvage a 1-1 road draw versus Middlesbrough.

At Birmingham:

John Carew's tally (36') lifted Aston Villa to a 1-0 home win over relegation-threatened and struggling West Ham United.

At London:

Second-half goals courtesy of Heidar Helguson (49') and Brian McBride (73') propelled Fulham to a 2-1 win over visiting Newcastle United.

At Manchester:

Reading climbed up to sixth place in the EPL standings following their 2-0 triumph at Manchester City. Leroy Lita scored both goals (79', 89').

At Blackburn:

Morten Gamst Pedersen (22', 90') to lead 10-man Blackburn to a 2-1 win over visiting Sheffield United.

At Watford:

Nicolas Anelka scored the lone goal (63') of Bolton's 1-0 road win at bottom-occupying Watford's expense.

At Wigan:

Wigan Athletic's nine-game league losing streak ended as Lee McCulloch's goal at 68 minutes lifted the Latics to a 1-0 home win over Portsmouth.