Champions Chelsea were frustrated during a goalless first half at Stamford Bridge where midfielder Frank Lampard equalled the Premier league record of 149 consecutive appearances.

Second-half goals from Joe Cole, Hernan Crespo and Damien Duff secured victory following defeat by Manchester United two weeks ago and extends their lead at the top to nine points.

United responded to the sudden exit of skipper Keane on Friday with an impressive victory at Charlton to move up to third, 10 points behind Chelsea with a game in hand.

Alan Smith put the visitors ahead in the first half with his first goal since May and Ruud Van Nistelrooy scored a late double after Darren Ambrose had equalised for Charlton.

"It has been a difficult week for the club," said United manager Alex Ferguson, "but it was vital we backed up our victory over Chelsea.

"Van Nistelrooy's finish was unbelievable and his goal came at a vital time, just after they equalised."

European champions Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 victory over struggling Portsmouth at Anfield, despite a penalty miss from Peter Crouch, but city rivals Everton fell back into the bottom three after a 4-0 humiliation at West Bromwich Albion.

Sunderland stayed bottom after a 3-1 home defeat by Aston Villa, for whom former striker Kevin Phillips was on target, and Manchester City were held 0-0 at home by Blackburn Rovers.

Wigan Athletic's six-game winning streak came to an end on Saturday with a 3-2 defeat by Arsenal in a rip-roaring clash at the JJB Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur face West Ham United and Middlesbrough play Fulham on Sunday while Bolton Wanderers can go second with victory over second-bottom Birmingham City on Monday.