Chelsea beat Manchester City 1-0 on Wednesday to keep the gap within six points against Premier League leader Manchester United.

Frank Lampard converted a penalty in the 28th minute for his 20th goal of the season after winger Salomon Kalou was fouled by defender Micah Richards. Chelsea controlled possession for the remainder of the game to send Manchester City to its fifth straight defeat.

In the only other Premier League game Wednesday, Arsenal beat Aston Villa 1-0 on a goal by Vassiriki Diaby in the 10th minute to move past Liverpool into third place.

Manchester United leads the standings with 72 points with nine games left, while Chelsea improved to 66. Arsenal has 55 points, two more than Liverpool.

Manchester City hasn't won in the league since New Year's Day and has fallen from mid-table to 17th place, one above relegation but six points ahead of 18th-placed Charlton.

Arsenal's victory restored some confidence after being eliminated from the English League Cup, FA Cup and European Champions League in 11 days.

Editor: Donald