Chelsea FC bounced back from their midweek League Cup defeat with a 4-0 triumph over Stoke City FC.

Chelsea lost 2-0 at home to Swansea City FC in the first leg of their semi-final tie on Wednesday, but had little trouble picking up their fourth straight away win in the Premier League. Two Jonathan Walters own goals, a Frank Lampard penalty and a stunning Eden Hazard strike earned them victory at Stoke, who had not lost at home in the league since 4 February 2012.

The Blues are therefore up to third, a point ahead of Tottenham Hotspur FC following their goalless draw at bottom side Queens park Rangers FC. Harry Redknapp had a handful of fine Júlio César saves to thank for a point against his old club.

Everton FC, meanwhile, are fifth, three points behind Spurs, having been held 0-0 at home to Swansea. West Bromwich Albion FC looked set to move to within a point of the Toffees but, 2-0 up with eight minutes left, lost 3-2 at Reading FC. Reading nevertheless remain in the bottom three along with QPR and Aston Villa FC, beaten 1-0 at home to Southampton FC.

Elsewhere, Fulham FC drew 1-1 with Wigan Athletic FC, Sunderland AFC won 3-0 against West Ham United FC and Norwich City FC versus Newcastle United FC ended goalless.