Chelsea benefit from goalless Manchester duel

Michael Essien gave Chelsea a first-half lead when he headed in from close range from Salomon Kalou's cross.

But the Ghanaian midfielder was shown a red card late on at Stamford Bridge for a two-footed challenge on Clint Dempsey.

Chances were few and far between at Eastlands and the game ended goalless, which was also good news for Arsenal – who moved to within a point of second-placed United thanks to Marouane Chamakh's double at Wolves.

The Gunners went ahead in the first minute when Alex Song crossed from the right and Chamakh rose highest to head home.

Chamakh settled Arsenal's nerves in stoppage time when he got to a through-ball and sealed the points with a clinical finish, leaving Wolves in the bottom two.

West Ham remain bottom of the table after West Brom came back to earn a 2-2 draw at Upton Park.

The visitors went ahead through Peter Odemwingie's penalty before Scott Parker equalised before the break. Frederic Piquionne put the Hammers ahead from the penalty spot but the Baggies levelled through Pablo Ibanez.

Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw at Wigan after Fernando Torres had given the visitors an early lead.

Hugo Rodallega equalised for the home side but a point was not enough to lift Wigan out of the relegation zone.

James Collins scored a late winner as Aston Villa won 3-2 at home to Blackpool.

Villa went ahead just before the half hour when Stewart Downing's shot was deflected past Richard Kingson. Blackpool levelled through Marlon Harewood before Nathan Delfouneso made it 2-1 on the hour when he got to Ashley Young's accurate pass.

Substitute DJ Campbell drew Blackpool level when his shot was deflected past Brad Friedel but Collins then headed in from a corner.

Substitute Jason Roberts earned Blackburn all three points at Newcastle to move Rovers away from the drop zone.

Morten Gamst Pedersen put the visitors ahead after three minutes before Andy Carroll headed his side level two minutes after the break.

Ten-man Everton drew 1-1 at home to Bolton after having midfielder Marouane Fellaini dismissed in the second half.

Bolton went ahead through Ivan Klasnic before former Leeds United striker Jermaine beckford curled home an equaliser for Everton four minutes into stoppage time.