Chelsea secure comfortable win against Wolves

There are also wins for Birmingham, Sunderland and West Brom, while Wigan and Bolton draw.

Wigan 1 // Bolton 1

Roberto Martinez, the Wigan manager, fears the worst about James McCarthy's ankle injury after the midfielder was carried off against Bolton. The midfielder, 19, was left writhing in agony following Fabrice Muamba's challenge in the first half and received lengthy treatment on the pitch before leaving on a stretcher. "He's gone to the hospital and we'll get the results over the next 24 hours but it doesn't look too good," said Martinez.

West Brom 2 // Fulham 1

West Brom's manager Roberto Di Matteo admitted he has "absolutely no idea" how long his side can maintain their form after seeing them climb to fourth place in the table. "We will just try to play game by game, to improve and not concede a goal sometimes for a change. There is no secret - it is just hard work. The players dedicate a lot of their time to the training and transfer it to the pitch on a Saturday."

Birmingham 2 // Blackpool 0

Alex McLeish, the Birmingham manager, believes striker Nikola Zigic will have gained a major boost after scoring for the second time in two games. The Serbian international was a summer signing and McLeish said: "Goals give strikers confidence and this will have been another big boost for the big fellow. He has taken time to adjust to the English style of play but we are not starting to see some sharpness."

Sunderland 1 // Aston Villa 0

Steve Bruce was a happy man after seeing his side battle their way to a much-needed victory over Aston Villa.

"Seven games unbeaten in the Premier League takes some doing, no matter who you play against, so there is a bit of resilience," said the Sunderland manager. "We invested heavily in the back four and the goalkeeper and when I look behind me and I have got four people who played in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. I am pleased."

Chelsea 2 // Wolves 0

Despite going five points clear at the top of the table, Chelsea's manager Carlo Ancellotti kept expectations in check. "It was a tough game because we didn't play so well," said the Italian. "We have started the season well and have to continue that. It was a difficult week because of the travel to Moscow for the Champions League game against Spartak. We were not 100 per cent. It is important to win when you are not 100 per cent. We did not play our best."