Gudjohnsen goals close gap

By Jon Caswell

Eidur Gudjohnsen scored a hat-trick as Chelsea FC returned to winning ways in emphatic style against Blackburn Rovers FC at Stamford Bridge, a 4-0 triumph moving José Mourinho's men within two points of leaders Arsenal FC.

Quick-fire hat-trick
With the champions facing Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow, Gudjohnsen scored three times in 14 minutes either side of half-time before Damien Duff sealed victory with his first goal of the season against his former employers. Blackburn's second consecutive 4-0 defeat left Mark Hughes's team second from bottom.

Ferguson header
Everton FC remained third after a 3-2 success against Norwich City FC in the day's early match. However, David Moyes's men were made to work hard for the three points after Leon McKenzie and Damien Francis scored early in the second half to level after Kevin Kilbane and Marcus Bent had given the visitors a two-goal lead. Everton responded well, though, and substitute Duncan Ferguson headed a 73rd-minute winner.

Long-range strikes
Everton's neighbours Liverpool FC had a more straightforward victory as long-range goals from John Arne Riise and Luis García earned a comfortable victory against Charlton Athletic FC at Anfield. Aston Villa FC also scored two long-range goals, Nolberto Solano's free-kick and Lee Hendrie's strike moving the Midlands outfit up to seventh place with a 2-0 home defeat of Fulham FC.

Palace win
Crystal Palace FC continued their recent renaissance with a 3-0 win against another promoted club, West Bromich Albion FC. Andy Johnson scored twice to add to Fitz Hall's fifth-minute opener as Iain Dowie's men climbed off the bottom of the table.

Late winner
Tottenham Hotspur FC observed a minute's silence before their game against high-flying Bolton Wanderers FC at White Hart Lane in memory of legendary former manager Bill Nicholson, who died on Saturday. The match looked to be heading for a draw after Robbie Keane had cancelled out Rahdi Jaidi's eleventh-minute header, but with 15 minutes remaining, substitute Henrik Pedersen struck the winner for the visitors.