Hammers run Chelsea close

Geremi found the top corner with a delicious free-kick as Barclays Premiership champions Chelsea beat London rivals West Ham 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho's men knew even a big win would probably not take them to the top of the league this weekend, but they kept the pressure on leaders Manchester United with their victory.

The winner came midway through the opening half as Geremi curled home from 25 yards following a foul on Didier Drogba by Danny Gabbidon, and Mourinho's men closed out another efficient win.

Carlos Tevez had been handed a rare start - West Ham have still not scored with him on the pitch since his arrival before the August transfer window closed - but he struggled against an in-form Ashley Cole.

John Terry was off target twice early on from corners on each flank and Frank Lampard forced goalkeeper Robert Green to save with a volley.

The hosts were ahead in the 22nd minute after in-form striker Drogba was hauled down by Gabbidon, earning the Hammers centre-back a booking. Geremi's 25-yard free-kick curled around the wall and into Green's top corner.

Robben fired wide towards the end of the first half and Cole had to throw himself at a Nigel Reo-Coker effort to block when the midfielder was on the end of a deep cross.

Mourinho took off Ricardo Carvalho, who appeared to pick up a knock in the opening half, for Khalid Boulahrouz at the break. Lampard lashed over the crossbar six minutes after the restart.

The Blues pressed and Paul Konchesky was forced to hack away in his own six-yard box as Drogba looked to finish from close range.

Michael Essien hit the post with a drive as Chelsea sought a second and Drogba had an effort chalked off for offside.