The best images of tonight's Premier League action

Arsène Wenger is hoping that, if results go his way tonight, Arsenal can reclaim top spot in the Premier League table
Photograph: Ian Kington/AFP/Getty Images

But seventh-placed Aston Villa, who have lost only twice at home in the league this season, will provide stubborn resistance. Here, James Milner and Aaron Ramsay vie for the ball
Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Villa defender Richard Dunne chases Arsenal's Croatian striker Eduardo da Silva
Photograph: Ian Kington/AFP/Getty Images

Eduardo is again the focus of attention as he gets chopped down by James Collins
Photograph: Simon Dawson/AP

Thomas Vermaelen goes off injured after just 35 minutes ... it later transpires he's broken his leg
Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

His exit prompts the introduction of Sol Campbell for his first league start for the Gunners since returning to the club
Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Villa's Bulgarian player Stiliyan Petrov rifles the ball goalwards ... but chances for the hosts are few and far between
Photograph: IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images

Bacary Sagna is beaten in the air by Emile Heskey
Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

Tomas Rosicky is one of two Arsenal players to crack the woodwork ... neither side can find a breakthrough and the game ends 0-0
Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are also hoping to reclaim top spot from Manchester United. Here, Michael Ballack battles with James McFadden of Birmingham City
Photograph: Phil Cole/Getty Images

After just five minutes, Florent Malouda punctures City's defence with a headed goal past Joe Hart
Photograph: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Frank Lampard doubles Chelsea's advantage with a low right-foot shot
Photograph: Matt Dunham/AP

Lampard is congratulated by Deco on his 12th club goal of the season
Photograph: Matt Dunham/AP

Birmingham, who were unbeaten in 15 games, are hardly in this match. In a vain bid to remedy matters, their manager, Alex McLeish, urges them forwards ...
Photograph: Rebecca Naden/PA

Chelsea dominate the second half and, after a quick change of contact lenses for Joe Cole, they see their way to a 3-0 win - Lampard's 90th minute strike capping the performance
Photograph: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Wigan Athletic travelled to Blackburn Rovers ... both teams needed points to ease themselves clear of relegation worries ... Hendry Thomas is seen here levering El-Hadji Diouf off the ball
Photograph: Mike Egerton/Empics Sport

Wigan captain Mario Melchiot wears a special mask to protect the fractured nose he sustained in victory at Wolves earlier this month
Photograph: Carl Recine/Action Images

Morten Gamst Pedersen gives Rovers the lead with a screamer into the top corner
Photograph: Carl Recine/Action Images

Nikola Kalinic scores their second goal after Gary Caldwell had drawn Wigan level
Photograph: Paul Thomas/Action Images

Wigan's Charles N'Zogbia looks dejected - he knows defeat has left his side just two points above the drop zone
Photograph: Paul Thomas/Action Images

At Goodison Park, Sunderland could overtake their hosts, Everton, if they beat them sufficiently this evening. But for Kieran Richardson, centre, and his team-mates, victory is an unlikely prospect as Everton boss the opening exchanges ...
Photograph: Stephen Pond/Empics Sport

Tim Cahill puts the Toffees in front before Landon Donovan, on loan from LA Galaxy until the end of the season, doubles their advantage
Photograph: Alex Morton/Action Images

Louis Saha tangles with the upturned Lee Cattermole
Photograph: Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Cahill crunches Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon as Everton ride out a deserved 2-0 win
Photograph: Alex Morton/Action Images