Chelsea's Frank Lampard fired the champions to a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa but there was a shock for Manchester United as they went down 2-1 at home to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
Chelsea's seventh league win in as many games gave them a double-digit lead over their main title rivals after United were stunned by two goals from Norwegian forward Morten Gamst Pedersen and Arsenal drew 0-0 at West Ham.
Charlton Athletic's charmed start to the season continued as they stayed second with a 2-1 victory at West Bromwich Albion, while England striker Michael Owen was Newcastle United's match- winner as they beat Manchester City 1-0.
Everton were booed off after losing 1-0 at home to promoted Wigan Athletic, their eighth defeat in nine games this season in all competitions. Liverpool needed a late penalty from France striker Djibril Cisse to draw 2-2 at Birmingham City.
