Chelsea beat United to reach pole

(GSM) – Blues forward, Didier Drogba’s controversial winner allowed Chelsea to shrug Manchester United aside and put them back in pole position in the Premier League title race.

The hosts went into the clash without the injured Wayne Rooney but with a one-point advantage at the top of the table.

However, they fell behind in the 20th minute when Joe Cole flicked in Florent Malouda’s pull-back.

United improved after half-time but found themselves two down with 11 minutes left as substitute Didier Drogba slammed the ball past Edwin van der Sar, although replays showed the striker was clearly offside as he collected Salomon Kalou’s pass.

United replacement Federico Macheda pulled one back within two minutes when Petr Cech pushed Nani’s cross onto the chest of the youngster – this time Macheda getting the benefit of the doubt when it looked like he might have handled.

Dimitar Berbatov had the best chance to force a draw but his 90th-minute shot was easily saved by Cech.