England round-up: Chelsea on top

Chelsea FC moved to the top of the Premiership despite being held to a goalless draw by Birmingham City FC at Saint Andrews.

Narrow advantage
The result moved Claudio Ranieri's side level with Arsenal FC on 20 points – who they play on Saturday – but ahead by virtue of a superior goal difference. Birmingham moved above Fulham FC into fourth position, four points behind third-placed Manchester United FC.

Hasselbaink chances
Defences were largely on top in an even contest, with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink having the best chance of the night for the visitors only to be denied by Birmingham goalkeeper Maik Taylor. The Dutch striker had also had the first chance of the match after seven minutes, but a well-timed tackle from Jamie Clapham prevented Hasselbaink scoring from Wayne Bridge’s cross.

Birmingham go close
At the other end, Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini was forced to parry a threatening Stan Lazaridis cross, while Christophe Dugarry and Aliou Cissé also went close. Argentinian striker Hernán Crespo then had chances either side of half-time, but failed to convert on each occasion.

Few clear chances
The teams continued to struggle to create clear goalscoring opportunties in the closing stages, with another Lazaridis cross almost catching out Cudicini, while Frank Lampard's shot failed to beat Taylor and both sides had to be content with a point.