Frank Lampard whipped the ball into the penalty area and captain Terry connected with a glancing header to clinch Chelsea’s 11th consecutive win in all competitions at Stamford Bridge.

Despite United having most of the possession, lone striker Wayne Rooney struggled to test Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech and Alex Ferguson’s team, along with Arsenal, now find themselves five points adrift of the pacesetters going into the two-week international break.

Also on Sunday, Everton won 2-1 at West Ham, Hull defeated Stoke 2-1 and Fulham drew 1-1 with Wigan.

Louis Saha and Dan Gosling scored Everton’s goals to leave West Ham in the relegation zone.

Hull’s victory eased the pressure on manager Phil Brown. Matthew Etherington had put Stoke in front, but Seyi Olofinjana levelled after the break and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink struck in the final minute after Stoke’s Abdoulaye Faye was sent off.

Fulham earned a point at Wigan after Clint Dempsey was brought down by Titus Bramble and then scored from the resulting penalty kick. (AP)

Arsenal continue goal rush

Arsenal swept Wolves aside to climb to second place in the Premier League on Saturday as a fifth consecutive draw resulted in Manchester City being ejected from the top four. The Gunners’ 4-1 win at Molineux lifted them above Manchester United on goal difference ahead of the champions’ meeting with leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Arsenal had ended their contest with Wolves by half-time as own goals from Ronald Zubar and Jody Craddock were followed by Cesc Fabregas finishing off a trademark passing move on the stroke of the interval. Andrey Arshavin made it 4-0 after the interval before Craddock claimed a late consolation for Wolves, who slipped into the relegation zone.