England round-up: Challengers miss chance to close gap

Leeds United AFC and Arsenal FC missed the chance to move second in the English FA Premiership after they drew 1-1 on Sunday.

Dream start
Former Liverpool FC striker Robbie Fowler gave Leeds a dream start in the fifth minute, heading home a Jason Wilcox cross. However, the hosts could not hang on to their lead and Robert Pires equalised on the stroke of half-time. The French international burst into the penalty area and powered a shot past England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn.

Good for United
The keenly-fought draw was a good result for leaders Manchester United FC, on 45 points, and second-placed Newcastle United FC, who have 43. Third-placed Leeds have 42 points while Arsenal remain a point behind in fourth, although they do have a game in hand on their chamionship rivals.

Derby delight
Earlier on Sunday, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Eidur Gudjohnsen scored two goals each as Chelsea FC triumphed 5-1 at home over London rivals West Ham United FC. The emphatic derby victory pushes sixth-placed Chelsea closer to the leading pack. Hasselbaink set the ball rolling with the opener just before half-time, rifling home after finding himself unmarked following a corner.

Easy for Chelsea
After the break it was all Chelsea, and they were never in danger against a disappointing West Ham. Gudjohnsen added the second from close range in the 52nd minute. Dutch international Hasselbaink then made the game safe with his second seven minutes later before Gudjohnsen got another in the 87st minute. Mikaël Forssell completed the rout in the 89th minute, slotting home after good work from Mario Stanic.

Di Canio off
To make matters worse for West Ham, captain Paolo di Canio, linked with a move to Manchester United FC, was sent off in the 70th minute for retaliation against Chelsea midfield player Jody Morris. One bright spot was a consolation goal for West Ham substitute Jermain Defoe in the 88th minute.