Chelsea cruising against Wolves at the break

Leaders Chelsea were in complete control against struggling Wolves, taking a 3-0 lead into half-time at Stamford Bridge.

Florent Malouda (five) smashed in an early opening goal from 25 yards, before his corner was headed in by Michael Essien (12), with the Ghana midfielder adding a third on 22 minutes as the Blues remained on course for a 12th straight home win.

Struggling West Ham – with just one league win since the opening day – threw away a 2-0 lead at Hull, who went into the break winning 3-2.

The Hammers – who were also 2-0 up at Sunderland before the international break - looked to be on the way to a much-needed three points through Mexico forward Guillermo Franco (five) and a looping header from Jack Collison (11) making it 2-0.

However, the Tigers, themselves in deep trouble at the wrong end of the table, were handed a lifeline at the KC Stadium through Carlton Cole’s own goal.

Kamil Zayatte levelled a minute before the break – but there was still time for Hull to turn the match on its head as Bullard netted a controversial penalty after Julien Faubert was adjudged to have tripped Craig Fagan.

Burnley looked to continue their fine home form when Steven Caldwell (nine) headed in a free-kick from Robbie Blake to give the Clarets a 1-0 half-time lead over Aston Villa.

A fine finish from Lee Bowyer, running on to a James McFadden pass after 16 minutes, put Birmingham 1-0 up against Fulham at St Andrews.

Injury-hit Arsenal – without Holland striker Robin van Persie for six weeks because of ankle ligament damage – were unable to break down Sunderland as the first half at the Stadium of Light ended goalless.

This afternoon’s late kick off sees Manchester United, in third place, host Everton.