Chelsea and Liverpool keep United in sight

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea narrowed Manchester United's lead in the Premier League to four points on Tuesday with a 1-0 victory at Portsmouth while Liverpool also stayed in pursuit with a 2-0 defeat of Sunderland.

Chelsea were unimpressive in torrential rain at Fratton Park and the home side had two glorious opportunities to go ahead before Didier Drogba's fine finish settled the match.

Chelsea have 58 points from 28 games and are ahead of Liverpool on goal difference after David Ngog and Yossi Benayoun struck to give Rafa Benitez's side victory at home to Sunderland.

United have two games in hand on both, starting with their trip to struggling Newcastle United on Wednesday when they will be seeking to stretch their winning run in the league to 11.

Fifth-placed Arsenal ended their recent goal famine when Nicklas Bendtner scored twice in a 3-1 victory at bottom club West Bromwich Albion which put them just three points behind Aston Villa in the race for a top-four spot.

Arsenal had drawn their previous four league matches 0-0.

LIVING DANGEROUSLY

Chelsea appear to have rediscovered the art of winning when playing below their best, as they often did in securing back to back titles under Jose Mourinho.