Chelsea comeback floors United

By Andrew Haslam

English champions Chelsea FC came from a goal down to defeat Manchester United FC 3-1 at Old Trafford on Tuesday, Tiago, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Joe Cole scoring to help the visitors to victory and a new Premiership points record.

Close-range goal
Chelsea fell behind in the eighth minute as defender Robert Huth failed to clear a corner and Wayne Rooney collected the loose ball. The English international struck a powerful effort across the face of goal, and Ruud van Nistelrooij flicked in from close range.

Tiago thunderbolt
Chelsea drew level nine minutes later, Portuguese international Tiago picking up possession in midfield and unleashing a swerving 35-metre shot that left United goalkeeper Roy Carroll helpess. Darren Fletcher then hit the Chelsea crossbar with another powerful drive from distance, but when a goal came it was at the other end. Tiago's perceptive pass sent Gudjohnsen clear and the Icelandic international nervelessly chipped the ball beyond Carroll.

Cole clincher
The win was complete eight minutes from time as Frank Lampard broke down the Chelsea left and fired the ball low across goal for Cole to touch in. The result marked the first time United have lost in the Premiership after taking the lead in 103 matches - since Arsenal FC won 3-1 at Highbury in November 2001. With one game remaining, it also gives Chelsea a Premiership points record, taking them to 94 points, two more than United's 1999/00 total.

Arsenal advantage
In addition, and regardless of their result against Everton FC on Wednesday night, Arsenal have now clinched second spot and a place in the group stage of next season's UEFA Champions League. United, in third, will enter the competition in the third qualifying round.