A Frank Lampard penalty earned Chelsea a 1-0 victory over champions Manchester United at Stamford Bridge and top slot in the English Premier League on Sunday.

Lampard steered home the 29th minute spot-kick after United skipper Roy Keane brought down Chelsea's attacking midfielder Joe Cole, who missed a great chance to add a second a few minutes later.

United failed to get into their usual rhythm and scoring chances for striker Ruud van Nistelrooy were few and far between, despite plenty of pressure by Alex Ferguson's men in the closing 20 minutes.

The victory hoisted Chelsea into top slot on 35 points, one more than Arsenal, who had been held to a surprise 0-0 draw by Fulham at Highbury earlier in the day. United stay third on 31 points.