Didier Drogba notched home his 29th goal of the season to help Chelsea grab a 1-0 away victory over Portsmouth and maintain their hopes of catching up with Premiership leaders Manchester United. The Ivory Coast striker, who has been named African Player of the Year, opened the score line in the 33rd minute before substitute Salomon Kalou ensured the win eight minutes from time. United, who snatched a dramatic win over Liverpool, are on top of the table with 72 points, nine ahead of second-placed Chelsea who have one game in hand. Chelsea could have opened the score line after 20 minutes when Andriy Shevchenko's effort from the left flank hit the side netting. Drogba put the visitors ahead in the 33rd minute when he received Ashley Cole's cross at the far post with a superb volley that bounced off the ground and went past Portsmouth keeper David James. Richard Hughes struck a long-range shot just wide of the crossbar one minute before the interval Two minutes into the second-period, Dutch winger Arjen Robben dribbled from the left before firing a powerful shot that cannoned off the crossbar. Substitute Andy Cole missed a golden opportunity to equalize for Pompey in the 75th minute when his header just missed the target after being set up by Nwankwo Kanu's accurate cross.
Arsenal win at Reading Niko Kranjcar supplied Cole with another cross before the former Manchester United striker headed the ball towards the net forcing petr Cech to a spectacular save with his inactive right hand as cameras caught manager Jose Mourinho applauding his keeper. Cech produced another brilliant save two minutes later to deny a header from Hughes. Chelsea secured the three points after Cole's header was collected by Kalou who slotted the ball pas the advancing James. Earlier on Saturday, Arsenal grabbed a 2-1 home victory over Reading. Arsenal were awarded a penalty four minutes after re-start when Reading defender Andre Bikey brought down Gael Clichy in the area. Gilberto Silva stepped-up to convert the ball into the back of the net. The Gunners doubled their lead in the 62nd minute when Julio Baptista side-stepped Graeme Murty inside the area and poked home. The visitors scored a consolation in the 86th minute after Philippe Senderos flicked a corner only to see his teammate Cesc Fabregas putting the ball into his own net. Arsenal are fourth on 53 points with two games in hand, just one short of third-placed Liverpool.
