Chelsea dropped two points at home Sunday, needing an 84th-minute tying goal from Michael Essien to earn a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League.

Mathieu Flamini put Arsenal ahead in the 78th, scoring after receiving a pass from Alexander Hleb. Essien then tied it with an incredible long-range shot that went in off the inside of the post at Stamford Bridge.

Both Essien and Frank Lampard nearly gave Chelsea the win in injury time. Essien hit the crossbar from right in front of goal, and Lampard then hit the post.

The draw gives Manchester United an eight-point lead at the top of the standings, but with one more game played than Chelsea. Man United has 44 points, followed by Chelsea with 36. Arsenal has 26 points.

Chelsea dominated the fast-paced game, with the visitors rarely troubling goalkeeper Hilario.

At the other end, Andriy Shevchenko's curling shot in the 15th minute was saved by Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and Michael Ballack's long-range shot missed the far post a few minutes later.

Lampard again hit the post soon after and his weaker follow-up shot was caught by Lehmann.

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, facing his former club for the first time since his acrimonious transfer in August, was shown a yellow card for a tackle on Hleb midway through the first half.

Shortly before halftime, Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas cleared a shot by Essien off the line with Lehmann on the ground. Essien also headed the ball over the bar.

Arsenal's best first-half chances were from Robin van Persie, who sent one shot wide and had another caught by Hilario. Flamini also headed over.

Lampard's free kick early in the second half was headed over by Didier Drogba. Van Persie also headed over and Emmanuel Adebayor sent a long-range shot wide while Fabregas put a tame shot into the arms of Hilario.

Lehmann and Drogba were both given yellow cards in the 65th after the Arsenal goalkeeper pushed the Chelsea forward in the back and he fell. Drogba retaliated by chesting Lehmann, who also fell to the ground.

The Blues had a series of chances orchestrated by Arjen Robben, who replaced Shevchenko in the 66th. But Lehmann scrambled to deny Robben and Lampard.

Arsenal hasn't beaten Chelsea since Jose Mourinho became manager in June 2004 _ the last win came earlier that year at Stamford Bridge.

On Saturday, Manchester United beat Manchester City 3-1 with goals from Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Also Saturday, it was: Portsmouth 2, Everton 0; Bolton 4, West Ham 0; Tottenham 5, Charlton 1; Liverpool 4, Fulham 0; Blackburn 1, Newcastle 3; Middlesbrough 1, Wigan 1; Watford 0, Reading 0; and Bolton 4, West Ham 0.