Palace tamed by champions elect

Chelsea maintained their 11-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premiership but were made to fight for a 4-1 win against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

Second-placed Manchester United and Arsenal, in third, also won while down at the bottom, West Brom’s survival hopes were boosted as Robert Earnshaw hit a hat-trick in an amazing 4-1 win at Charlton.