Premiership / Maxliu / 09 November 2009 / Leave a comment Bet Now

Markets react as controversial Terry header gives Blues crucial advantage in title race...

Chelsea opened up a five point gap at the top of the Premier League as they beat Manchester United 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are now into [1.98] to win a first league title since 2006. United are out to [5.1] and Arsenal have overtaken them as the market's second favourites at [4.8].

Sunday's match at Stamford Bridge was a close contest which demonstrated how little there is between the two sides - something punters may want to consider when looking at the discrepancy in those prices.

The defences dominated the first half with John Terry winning everything in the air for Chelsea while Johnny Evans and Wes Brown subdued Didier Drogba at the other end. United's rejected penalty appeal at the end of the half aside, there were few goal-mouth incidents to discuss at the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern until, with 14 minutes to go, Chelsea took the lead. Frank Lampard swung in a free-kick after Darren Fletcher brought down Ashley Cole and Terry rose to head Chelsea into the lead.

United complained that Drogba was in an offside position as the goal went in but the referee deemed that the Chelsea striker was not interfering with play.

This was an improved performance by United - they were tighter at the back, prevented Chelsea from playing their natural game and gave a better account of themselves than they did a fortnight ago at Anfield.

However, the five point lead and psychological advantage that Chelsea now have in the title race is reflected in their odds.