Chelsea beat Manchester United tonight; a match which was decided by a controversial penalty.

The goal came in the 28th minute when Joe Cole appeared to be brought down by Roy Keane in the area, giving Frank Lampard the chance to score from the spot.

Lampard made no mistake and sent Tim Howard the wrong way.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich looked on admiringly from the directors’ box with 400 of his friends flown in specially from Russia.

Chelsea are now top after Arsenal were unable to score against Fulham in a match that ended 0-0.

Tottenham right-back Stephen Carr has apparently turned down a contract extension with the club, which means that a January transfer looks very likely.

The Spurs skipper has less than 18 months left of his contract with the London club.

Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson is a huge fan of the Ireland international and is said to be preparing a £2 million bid for the defender.

Once again Chelsea have been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen defender Lucio.

Leverkusen general manager, Reiner Calmund said: “(Chelsea owner, Roman) Abramovich is like a bull in a china shop and Chelsea continue to ask us for Lucio, although they know Juventus also want him.”

The classy defender is believed to want Champions League football.

Arsenal vice president David Dein believes France international Thierry Henry is the best player the club has had in its history.

Henry has been in sensational form lately, and he is nominated to Fifa World Player of the Year.

Dein told the News of the World: “Thierry is the best player to pull on an Arsenal shirt. If there is a better player in the world I would like to know who he is. Thierry is the complete player.

“Henry is a part of our future and I believe he genuinely loves Arsenal.”