Essien boosts Chelsea's title hopes

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Chelsea are now just four points behind United after Michael Essien's first-half goal enabled Guus Hiddink's side to overcome a disappointing City at Stamford Bridge.

It was Chelsea's fourth straight league win under Hiddink and they remain unbeaten since the Dutch coach agreed to take charge of the side until the summer.

Although United also have a game in hand on the Blues, Chelsea ensured they kept up the pressure on the leaders with a typically combative victory that moved them ahead of Liverpool on goal difference.

City were lucky to remain on level terms in the opening minute when Frank Lampard's goal was ruled out for offside. The England midfielder flicked the ball beyond Shay Given from six yards but his effort was disallowed by referee Mike Riley.

But Chelsea went ahead through Essien's second goal in as many games in the 17th minute. City's Stephen Ireland brought down Nicolas Anelka midway in his own half and Lampard made the most of the free-kick by passing the ball to Essien on the edge of the penalty area.

The Ghanaian international, starting only his second game since damaging knee ligaments on international duty last September, hit a first time shot beyond the flatfooted Shay Given to put the Blues in front.

Essien tried his luck again on the half hour but this time he screwed his low drive wide of Given's left hand upright. A minute later Chelsea felt they should have had a penalty when Anelka appeared to be brought down by Nedum Onuoha but Riley ignored their appeals.

A fabulous move, started by Lampard's ball to Didier Drogba, was almost brought to a successful conclusion by the Ivorian's clever back-heel into the path of Michael Ballack. But the German midfielder curled his effort around the post with Given well beaten.

Chelsea were rampant and the woodwork prevented them from increasing their lead when Substitute Juliano Belletti played a neat interchange of passes with Essien before watching his 20-yard shot rebound off Given's left hand upright.