Chelsea close the gap on Arsenal

Chelsea closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to two points as they narrowly beat Crystal Palace 2-1 after goals from Fernando Torres and Ramires.

The Blues got the ball rolling in fortuitous circumstances after 16 minutes as Willian's turn and shot bounced off the post and invitingly into the Spanish striker's path.

Despite Chelsea's dominance, Tony Pulis' side always looked a threat and a rejuvenated Marouane Chamakh got his third goal in as many games when he volleyed in Joe Ward's cross to equalise.

But the Eagles' moment of joy was short-lived as Eden Hazard set up Ramires who stunningly steered the ball into the net through the smallest of gaps.

If Chelsea thought they would have it all their own way thereafter they were wrong, as Stuart Keefe almost scored from a goalmouth scramble before the Blues finally cleared their lines.

Palace proved their stomach for the fight in the second-half but Chelsea should have put the game to bed as Ramires squandered a three-on-one with an abject pass and then the Brazilian blasted an easy chance wide.

Meanwhile, Everton made it nine games unbeaten and jumped up to fourth with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Fulham.

The Toffees didn't take long to get off the mark as Leon Osman shifted the ball onto his left foot and then curled one in beautifully after 18 minutes.

Alex Kacaniklic almost had the visitors level only to sky the ball over the bar with the goal at his mercy. However, the Swede made up for it by winning a dubious penalty off Gareth Barry which Dimitar Berbatov coolly stepped up to stroke in.

Everton restored a deserved lead when Seamus Coleman swept the ball in after Maarten Steklenburg could only tip Steven Pienaar's cross into the path of the onrushing full-back.

Barry then made up for conceding the spot kick by nodding in from just a yard after messy defending from the visitors and Kevin Mirallas wrapped up the points as Fulham's goalkeeper let the Belgian's strike slip through his gloves.

Elsewhere, Newcastle and Southampton shared the points in an entertaining 1-1 draw at St James' Park.

Yoan Gouffran gave the hosts the lead after taking advantage of Jos Hooiveld's miskick to nip in, glance round Paulo Gazzaniga and roll the ball home.

Alan Pardew's side dominated the first-half but his former club came roaring back as Steve Davis rattled the woodwork with a sumptuous set up and volley. The Saints soon drew level though as Jay Rodriguez started and finished off a fine flowing move.

Loic Remy could have put Newcastle back in front but having had the ball mistakenly played to him by Gazzaniga he somehow horribly shanked his effort into the stands.

Cardiff picked up their first win six games as Peter Whittingham's goal proved just enough to see off West Brom.

A dull game was devoid of chances with both teams struggling for form and Gary Medel kept the hosts in it when he cleared off the line from Gareth McAuley's goal bound effort.

Finally, the Cardiff City Stadium was brought to life after 65 minutes as Whittingham nodded in Craig Noone's cross and the Bluebirds held on for a much needed three points.

Elsewhere, the potential 'six-pointer' between West Ham and Sunderland finished goalless with the Hammers lucky to escape with a point.

The Black Cats created numerous chances and Phil Bardsley came closest to celebrating when his rasping drive cannoned off the bar.

However, it was a worrying sight for Hammers fans, who roundly booed their struggling side for an inept showing.