Chelsea's unbeaten record in the Premiership this season came to an end tonight, after they were beaten 2-1 by West Ham at Upton Park. Michael Carrick gave the Hammers the lead after only five minutes, and Chelsea were stunned again eight minutes later when Frederic Kanoute turned two defenders and drilled home for his third goal in two games.
Chelsea's hopes were revived after 22 minutes when Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink held off the challenge of Christian Dailly before firing a low drive into the bottom far corner from 20 yards for his ninth goal of the season. West Ham keeper Shaka Hislop made a great save after 83 minutes to beat away Hasselbaink's fierce shot from 20 yards, then two minutes later the Dutch striker crashed another effort against the post. But Glenn Roeder's side held out for the victory which lifts them into 14th spot in the Premiership.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa moved into third spot in the table with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Charlton, courtesy of a Hassan Kachloul goal. At St Mary's Stadium, Gordon Strachan was denied a winning start to his career as Southampton manager by an Ipswich comeback. Southampton led 2-0 and 3-1 during the game, before George Burley's side hit back to earn a point.
Filed by Tom Grealis
