Chelsea Rub It In At Old Trafford
Eidur Gudjohnsen made it 2-1 on the hour, and Joe Cole completed the victory in the 82nd minute.
Carlo Cudicini had to watch a Cristiano Ronaldo effort early on, but United were ahead on eight minutes when van Nistelrooy steered a Wayne Rooney shot into the net.
Chelsea were level with their first real effort of the match when Tiago’s superb shot caught Roy Carroll by surprise.
After Ricardo Carvalho had denied van Nistelrooy, Cole curled just wide.
Rooney saw an effort blocked by Tiago, but the two sides went in level at the break.
Chelsea came out well after half-time, with Carroll denying Cole, and Glen Johnson unable to get his shot away when in a good position.
Carroll was again on hand to stop Cole, while at the other end Darren Fletcher’s shot smacked against the bar.
Chelsea went 2-1 ahead on 61 when Gudjohnsen ran on to a fine pass from the impressive Tiago and the former Bolton striker easily lobbed over Carroll.
After William Gallas had almost put Chelsea further ahead after Wes Brown’s poor clearance, Ronaldo somewhat selfishly shot wide.
A suspiciously offside Cole completed the win late on when he converted after Frank Lampard’s pullback.
Chelsea are now an amazing 20 points clear of United at the top of the league.
