Chelsea climbed above Manchester City into third place in the Premier League after David Luiz's late goal inspired a 2-0 win on Sunday.
David Luiz sunk City with 12 minutes to play at Stamford Bridge and Ramires added a second goal in stoppage time as Carlo Ancelotti's side moved one point ahead of Roberto Mancini's men. The Blues are also nine points behind leaders Manchester United with a game in hand.
City suffered a blow before kick off when Carlos Tevez failed a late fitness test on a groin injury, but they had the best moment of the first half when Yaya Toure's low drive forced Petr Cech into a sprawling save.
There was an injury scare for reappointed England captain John Terry as the Blues defender needed treatment on a knee problem, but he was able to continue, to the relief of Fabio Capello ahead of next week's Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales.
Fernando Torres is now without a goal in seven matches since his British record 50 million transfer, after the former Liverpool striker was hauled off in the 70th minute.
The change paid dividends as Torres's replacement Didier Drogba curled over a free-kick that Brazilian defender Luiz glanced past Joe Hart before his compatriot Ramires scored with a fine solo effort in the 90th minute.
In Sunday's early kick-off, a dubious penalty from Dirk Kuyt and clever piece of individual skill from Luis Suarez were enough for Liverpool to beat Sunderland 2-0.
Kenny Dalglish's sixth placed side need to catch fifth placed Tottenham to avoid missing out on a place in Europe and they were given a helping hand by the officials at the Stadium of Light.
Referee Kevin Friend and his linesman played an important part in the win, with a hotly-disputed decision allowing Dirk Kuyt to break the deadlock with a penalty before Luis Suarez sealed the victory.
Friend made his error when he allowed the linesman to persuade him to give a penalty for John Mensah's challenge on Jay Spearing even though he had initially given a free-kick.
Replays showed the tackle was outside the area but Kuyt scored the penalty to set Liverpool on the way, while Friend sent off Sunderland defender Mensah late in the match for a professional foul on Suarez.
Kenny Dalglish turned heads before kick-off as he finally partnered January signings Andy Carroll and Suarez in attack, but it was Kuyt who would end up opening the scoring in controversial circumstances. By then Carroll had been withdrawn, but Suarez was still around and the Uruguayan would decide the match with a clever piece of play. Dribbling into the box near the right sideline, Suarez finally embarrassed Mignolet as he beat the 'keeper - who was anticipating a cross - at his near post from an acute angle with a powerful drive.
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