Chelsea lead in controversy

Didier Drogba’s double put champions Chelsea ahead at the break against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

The striker opened the scoring after half an hour, receiving the ball from Eidur Gudjohnsen before deceiving David Sommeil and blasting past David James.

Two minutes later he appeared to use his hand to control the ball on the edge of the six-yard area before finishing. Sylvain Distin was dismissed after the half-time whistle for his second booking.

Sunderland edged closer to their inevitable drop back to the Championship, falling behind early on against Blackburn at the Stadium of Light.

Steven Reid was given room to surge forward after 15 minutes and he drove into the area before powerfully finishing past Kelvin Davis.

Rovers looked likely to double their lead, with Craig Bellamy looking dangerous and dragging a shot just wide of the post.

Liverpool overcame the early dismissal of captain Steven Gerrard to record a 3-1 win at Anfield over rivals Everton.

Gerrard was sent off in the 18th minute after fouling Kevin Kilbane and receiving his second yellow card. Referee Phil Dowd had shown him the first for kicking the ball away a minute earlier.

Phil Neville opened the scoring with an own goal on the stroke of half-time, with Luis Garcia doubling the lead just after the interval.

Tim Cahill headed a goal back for the visitors, who then had Andy Van der Meyde dismissed for an aerial challenge on Xabi Alonso. Harry Kewell wrapped up the scoring with a spectacular dipping drive.

Lee McCulloch opened the scoring with a spectacular strike just before the break as Wigan took a 1-0 lead into half-time at the JJB Stadium.

McCulloch had gone close earlier and was denied by Shaka Hislop, but the West Ham goalkeeper had no chance when the Scot drove home in the dying moments of the half.

Aston Villa and Fulham found chances difficult to create at Villa Park and they went into the interval goalless.