体坛英语新闻：Chelsea held scoreless at Villa

LONDON, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- English Premier League leaders Chelsea were held to goalless draw at Aston Villa on Saturday.

Nicolas Anelka was denied a dramatic late winner when a downward header from Ashley Cole bounced up and against Brad Friedel's crossbar.

Villa was also presented with a chance to win the game in stoppage time when Nigel Reo-Coker shot wide when one-on-one with goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Villa squandered a great chance to go ahead in the third minute when Stephen Ireland's shot crept round the post.

Chelsea's lead can be trimmed to two points if Manchester City wins at Blackpool on Sunday. Villa is eighth with 11 points, eight behind Chelsea.

In another match, Manchester United blew a two-goal lead away and drew 2-2 with West Bromwich Albion.

Javier Hernandez and Nani scored for Manchester United in the first half. But after the break, Chris Brunt's free kick went in off Patrice Evra before Somen Tchoyi tapped in from six yards after Edwin van der Saar dropped a cross from Brunt. Wayne Rooney played the last 20 minutes as United drew a third straight match.

United was third four points behind Chelsea, which has collected just four points from its last three matches.

The North London sides both rallied to win 2-1, with Arsenal beating Birmingham and Tottenham triumphing at Fulham.

Bolton also beat Stoke 2-1, while Newcastle was held to 2-2 by Wigan and Wolverhampton drew 1-1 with West Ham.

Rooney was dealing with problems in his personal life last month as he was rested for several matches by United with the official reason being that he was struggling with an ankle injury.

Hernandez pounced quickly after five minute to tap home after Scott Carson spilled Nani's free kick.

The Portugal winger gave United a 2-0 halftime lead but the Baggies hit back with their two quick second-half goals.

The result lifted United to third but it could find itself one place lower if Manchester City beats Blackpool on Sunday.