Newz Forum: SOCCER: Barclays Premiership results 15/01/05, page 1

Barclays Premiership leaders Chelsea are 10 points clear after securing a 2-0 win against Tottenham thanks to a Frank Lampard double at White Hart Lane.

The England midfielder scored from the penalty spot just before half-time after Alexei Smertin had been fouled by Ledley King. Television replays suggested the Spurs skipper was unfortunate to concede the spot-kick as the Blues midfielder waited to be challenged before falling to the ground. Lampard added a second in the final stages of the match, sweeping home after good work from substitute Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Arsenal's fading hopes of retaining the title suffered a major blow as they failed to close the gap by losing 1-0 at Bolton. Stelios got the winner for the Trotters on 41 minutes, heading home a superb El-Hadji Diouf cross at the far post. The Gunners struggled to create chances as they were outfought at the Reebok. Their best chance of an equaliser disappeared when Robert Pires headed wide of an open goal after Jussi Jaaskelainen parried an effort from Robin van Persie.

Manchester United's outside chance of the title was boosted by Jerzy Dudek's blunder at Anfield. The Liverpool goalkeeper gifted Sir Alex Ferguson's side the win as Wayne Rooney's 21st-minute effort crept in at the near post. The visitors had centre-back Wes Brown sent off after 65 minutes for receiving two yellow cards, the second for a hack at John Arne Riise, but held on for a 1-0 win.

Aston Villa bounced back consecutive defeats by convincingly beating Norwich 3-0 at Villa Park. Liam Ridgewell glanced in a header from Nolberto Solano's free-kick after nine minutes - and David O'Leary's side looked improved after FA Cup embarrassment against Sheffield United last week. Lee Hendrie added a second with a composed finish and Solano added a third in the second half with a header. It remained 3-0, despite the efforts of Dean Ashton who made his Canaries debut.

Birmingham lost their third consecutive Premiership game as Charlton secured a 3-1 win at The Valley. Talal El Karkouri's hopeful free-kick from more than 40 yards out bounced in the penalty area and flew into the top corner past Maik Taylor for the opener. The visitors levelled through Mario Melchiot's magnificent header from Darren Anderton's corner but the Addicks stormed back. Substitute Francis Jeffers set up Shaun Bartlett for a simple finish, and Danny Murphy added a third.

Manchester City survived a Crystal Palace fightback to win 3-1 at Eastlands. In-form Shaun Wright-Phillips powered into the box after 12 minutes and smashed a shot past Gabor Kiraly. Robbie Fowler added a second three minutes later, drifting in from the right flank and curling his effort into the far corner. Darren Powell gave the visitors hope with a 32nd minute header from a free-kick but Wright-Phillips added a third with a late tap-in.

Southampton's survival hopes were dented as they went down to Newcastle at St James' Park. Calum Davenport hauled down Shola Ameobi in the ninth minute for a penalty - and the striker hurt Saints keeper Antti Niemi in the process. The returning Alan Shearer despatched the penalty past substitute stopper Paul Smith, who was making his Premiership debut. Titus Bramble added a second seven minutes before half-time when he lifted the ball over Smith from Celestine Babayaro's free-kick. Peter Crouch gave the visitors hope when he stabbed a goal in from close range - but it stayed 2-1.

Morten Gamst Pedersen scored the winner as Blackburn secured a vital 1-0 win against nine-man Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Pompey striker Lomana LuaLua returned from an ear infection but was sent off five minutes into the second half for violent conduct. Pedersen scored the only goal of the game four minutes later, lifting the ball over Shaka Hislop after David Thompson sent the Norway winger through. Amdy Faye was sent off late on for two bookings.

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