Chelsea gain ground but Villa slip away

Chelsea FC took advantage of Manchester United FC's defeat on Saturday to close to within four points of the leaders, having played a game more, and moved back above Liverpool FC with a 1-0 win against Manchester City FC, while Aston Villa FC's hopes of a top-four finish suffered another blow as they lost 2-1 at home to Tottenham Hotspur FC.

Essien winner
Michael Essien, who scored Chelsea's first equaliser in the 2-2 draw at Juventus on Tuesday to ensure their progress to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, struck what proved to be the winner after 18 minutes. The midfielder was on hand to touch in Frank Lampard's low free-kick and although the home side dominated for the majority of the contest, they could not add further gloss to illustrate their superiority. Juliano Belletti came closest with a drive that rebounded off the post, but the three points confirmed their ascent back above Liverpool by virtue of goal difference.

Spurs soar
Villa were given an early jolt against Spurs when the visitors opened the scoring in the fifth minute, Jermaine Jenas heading in after Brad Friedel could only parry Aaron Lennon's cross. And the home side did not learn their lesson in the second half, conceding again on the counterattack five minutes after the restart when Darren Bent poked in after Robbie Keane had fired across goal. John Carew headed in with five minutes to play to set up a tense finish but the defeat leaves Martin O'Neill's men fifth, behind Arsenal FC on goal difference, while Harry Redknapp's charges rise to a season-high eleventh spot.