Premier League wrap - Chelsea lead grows

November 9, 10:10 AMSoccer ExaminerNicholas Richards

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For as much hoopla as there is surrounding these Big 4 matches, so often they fail to deliver anything of note. Nothing special, almost nothing spectacular. Very rarely does either side go for it, every side usually too scared of making a mistake and instead piling players behind the ball. You can add Chelsea 1 0 Mancehster United to that group.

If anything, the match showed that United desperately miss a game-changer like Ronaldo. His absence was vital, as United all too frequently failed to pull the trigger on the Chelsea goal. The United effort can be summed up in Ryan Giggs inexplicably opting for an audacious chip at the back post instead of shooting when he had the chance unmarked and 12 yards from the Chelsea goal. He chipped to the back post, but it was too long for Anderson, and a fierce United attack didn't produce a shot on goal.

All too often, United wasted chances. Wayne Rooney, a magnet for Chelsea defenders throughout the match, had a glorious chance to first find a completely unmarked Anderson in the Chelsea box, then an on-rushing (and also completely unmarked) Antonio Valencia, only to fire of the shins off Ricardo Carvalho. It was to be that kind of day for United, and it could be that kind of season. About the only fireworks in this entire match was Darren Fletcher's constant moaning - I love his work rate, but please get on with the match - and Jonny Evans' studs-up kick into Didier Drogba's chest (that inexplicably led to a yellow card - for Drogba, another bad day at the office for Premier League officials). Again, typical of a Big 4 match - little to no scoring, pushing and shoving, dangerous challenges, and dubious officiating.

Chelsea now have a five point lead at the top of the Premier League, and they clearly look the team to beat. They haven't conceded at home since the opening game of the season (and the opening goal of the season, from Hull City's Stephen Hunt). The Bridge is now a fortress after dropping 18 points at home last year. The fixture list during the African Cup of Naitons is generous. It's still early and anything can happen, but it looks like this season will end with a party in West London.

On the American front, Clint Dempsey scored yet again for Fulham, his third goal in three Premier League matches as the Cottagers drew at Wigan 1-1. Dempsey's been in inspired form of late, and that's only good news for the US.

Tim Howard and Jonathan Spector met up in London, with Howard's Everton triumphing for the first time in five Prem matches with a 2-1 victory over Spector's West Ham. The loss dropped the Hammers into the relegation zone. They're a yo-yo club, so the prospect of them going down shouldn't be a big surprise.