FOOTBALL CLUB WORLD

Current Champion Chelsea FC extended their Premier League lead to 11 points when Joe Cole scored for a 1-0 win over Manchester City and rival Manchester United was held 2-2 by Birmingham City yesterday.

Chelsea, whose only league lost game last season came at the City of Manchester Stadium, had to wait until the 79th minute for the matchwinning tap-in from Cole after an Eidur Gudjohnsen strike was parried.

"I think this is the toughest game we've had all season," Cole said.

"However, we passed the ball well and in the end we deserved to win ... and it was a great victory tonight, especially with Manchester United dropping points."

Cole's fellow England midfielder Frank Lampard missed the match due to illness, meaning his record for consecutive Premier League games has ended at 164.