ENGLISH SOCCER Chelsea's takes lead in Premier League with win

LONDON (AP) -- Chelsea became the new Premier League leader Saturday when it beat Everton 1-0 while Arsenal was held to a 1-1 tie at Crystal Palace.
Chelsea won on Arjen Robben's 72nd-minute goal and moved two points ahead of Arsenal. Chelsea (9-1-2) improved to 29 points with defending champion Arsenal at 27. Everton is next at 23, followed by Bolton at 21 and Middlesbrough and Aston Villa at 18.
Arsenal, unbeaten in 49 straight league games just two weeks ago, has won only once in its last six games in all competitions -- and is winless in its last three league games. Counting last season, this is the first time in almost 11 months the Gunners have not topped the standings.
Arsenal took the lead in the 63rd minute on Thierry Henry's goal, but Aki Riihilahti scored two minutes later. Arsenal's Robin van Persie had two good chances to score in the final 20 minutes, stopped each time by goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly.
Everton proved tough defensively until Robben broke through, racing into the penalty area on a lofted pass from Eidur Gudjohnsen and flicking the ball over goalkeeper Nigel Martyn.
Special win
Everton entered the game as the only Premier League team without an away loss. Chelsea, under new manager Jose Mourinho, has given up only four goals in all games this season -- and only one at home at Stamford Bridge.
"I think it was a special win against a special opponent," Mourinho said.
Chelsea failed to convert on a half-dozen opportunities.
"In this kind of match you can't miss so many chances," Mourinho said.
Also, it was: Aston Villa 3, Portsmouth 0; Birmingham City 1, Liverpool 0; Norwich 1, Blackburn 1; Southampton 2, West Brom 2; and Charlton 3, Tottenham 2.