Macheda 81             J Cole 20

                                                                                                                       Drogba 79

Chelsea the EPL’s top spot and the initiative in the title race thanks to a hard-earned victory in a surprisingly scrappy Old Trafford encounter.

Both sides started without their talismanic strikers. But while United’s Wayne Rooney was sitting on crutches in an executive box, Chelsea’s Didier Drogba was sitting on the substitutes’ bench and after being summoned from it scored the vital goal.

Drogba was, however, clearly offside. And although United’s goal came via the chest and forearm of young Italian substitute Federico Macheda, manager Alex Ferguson was predictably fuming after the final whistle.

Referee Mike Dean belied his recent reputation as a serial penalty-taker by turning down strong appeals by United’s Ji-Sung Park and Chelsea’s Nicolas Anelka in quick succession before half-time.

But his assistant was at fault as an offside Drogba latched onto fellow sub Salomon Kalou’s pass and fired right-footed past United keeper Edwin Van der Sar on 79 minutes.

Macheda bundled home Nani’s cross two minutes later. But Dimitar Berbatov could only volley a clear opportunity at Blues’ keeper Petr Cech late on, and the points were Chelsea’s.