Chelsea take control of the title race

Manchester United's Premier League title chances took a blow on Saturday lunchtime as they were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea. The absence of Wayne Rooney was clearly felt by the Champions as the London club claimed a deserved win – though Didier Drogba's pivotol strike was shrouded in controversy.

Substitute Drogba doubled Chelsea's lead on 79 minutes with a fantastic position. However, the Ivory Coast star has clearly gathered the ball in an offside position which left home supporters furious.

Having said that, it was difficult to begrudge Chelsea the win. They bossed the opening period and Joe Cole's neat flick broke the deadlock after only twenty minutes.

Federico Macheda's late goal - which had a hint of handball about it - kept United in the game at the death but the Red Devils couldn't muster a trademark late goal to keep themselves top of the tree.

United looked tired after the midweek action in Germany and Chelsea's European Cup exit at the hands of Inter Milan could play a crucial role in their Premier League campaign.

The result leaves United two points off the pace as we enter the final five league games of the season. Attentions now turn to European commitments as Bayern Munich bring a 2-1 Champions League quarter-final first-leg lead to Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Full Time - Manchester United 1-2 Chelsea
Attendance - 75,217