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Result: Manchester United 3-1 Chelsea

Result: Man United 3-1 Chelsea
© PA Photos
Manchester United return to the top of the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford today.

Three goals in the opening 45 minutes saw Manchester United overcome the challenge of Chelsea at Old Trafford this afternoon.

England full-back Chris Smalling opened the scoring after eight minutes, heading in Ashley Young's free-kick.

Brazilian midfielder Ramires spurned the chance to draw Chelsea level in the 26th minute, drilling his shot straight at David de Gea from close range.

Nani doubled the advantage in the 37th minute with a shot from distance, before Wayne Rooney capitalised on a mistake from John Terry to put United three goals ahead at the break.

Fernando Torres pulled one back for Chelsea shortly after the restart, before Rooney had a chance to make the points safe for United from the penalty spot, but he slipped on his run up and the ball drifted wide.

Spaniard Torres missed a clear opportunity eight minutes from time to reduce the arrears further and claim his second goal of the match. After rounding De Gea, the £50m signing from Liverpool fired wide of an open net from five yards out.

Next Saturday United travel to Stoke City, while Chelsea will play host to Swansea City at Stamford Bridge.

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City4400113812
2Arsenal431061510
3Newcastle UnitedNewcastle431063310
4Liverpool43017169
5Aston Villa43017619
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton42206248
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest42204228
8Chelsea42118537
9Brentford42026606
10Manchester UnitedMan Utd42025506
11Bournemouth41215505
12Fulham41214405
13Tottenham HotspurSpurs41126424
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham411256-14
15Leicester CityLeicester402257-22
16Crystal Palace402247-32
17Ipswich TownIpswich402227-52
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves4013411-71
19Southampton400418-70
20Everton4004413-90


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