Chelsea extends unbeaten streak to 40
(AP)
Updated: 2005-10-30 09:56

Chelsea beat Blackburn 4-2 in the Premier League on Saturday to extend its unbeaten streak to 40 matches, while Arsenal rallied to tie 1-1 with north London rival Tottenham.

Wigan beat Fulham 1-0 to continue its surprising run in its debut season in the Premier League. Its sixth consecutive win lifted it to second in the standings.

Chelsea's Frank Lampard scores their second goal during the English Premiership League soccer match against Blackburn Rovers at Stamford Bridge, London, Saturday Oct. 29, 2005. Chelsea won the match 4-2. [AP]

In other matches, it was Everton defeating Birmingham 1-0, Bolton winning 1-0 over Charlton, Liverpool winning 2-0 over West Ham, Portsmouth defeating Sunderland 4-1, and Middlesbrough pounding Manchester United 4-1.

Chelsea let a 2-0 lead become 2-2 by halftime at Stamford Bridge. But Frank Lampard's second goal of the match — a free kick in the 62nd minute — restored Chelsea's lead and Joe Cole extended it in the 74th.

Tottenham, which hasn't beaten Arsenal in six years, took the lead in the 17th when Ledley King headed in a free kick from Michael Carrick. Substitute Robert Pires leveled for Arsenal in the 77th.

"It must be a long time since Arsenal were happy to end a game with a draw," Tottenham manager Martin Jol said.

Gaizka Mendieta scored twice for Middlesbrough against Manchester United. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Aiyegbeni Yakubu also marked for the winners.

"We've got to enjoy this — moments like this don't come along too often and the players deserve it, they were fantastic today," Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren said.

Chelsea has 31 points, followed by Wigan with 22, Tottenham with 20 and Charlton with 19.

On Sunday, West Brom plays Newcastle, and on Monday, Manchester City hosts Aston Villa.