Chelsea jumps to third place

LONDON—Chelsea leapfrogged Tottenham into third place in the Premier League on Saturday, profiting from two own goals by the same player to thrash Stoke, 4-0, and dismantle English football’s only remaining unbeaten home record.

Spurs’ lackluster 0-0 draw at last-place Queens Park Rangers gave the European champions an opportunity to become the nearest challengers to the two Manchester clubs, who are both in action Sunday, and they didn’t waste it.

Stoke forward Jonathan Walters endured a disastrous day, twice heading the ball into his own net — in the 45th and 62nd minutes — to set Chelsea on its way before crashing a wild penalty over the crossbar in stoppage time.

Frank Lampard, who converted a penalty, and Eden Hazard, with a thumping 30yard strike, were the other goalscorers for the visitors to give interim manager Rafa Benitez some respite amid growing disquiet at the direction the club is heading.

“We needed to show character and quality and we did both things,” said Benitez, who continues to be jeered by fans angry at his appointment as interim manager in November. “You have to realize the team is doing well.

“The players are happy and training well ... we cannot control what is going on outside the pitch but we do our best on the pitch.”

Chelsea is 11 points adrift of leader Manchester United as Benitez’s side strives to stay in the title race, but can pull four points clear of Spurs by winning its game in hand — against Southampton on Wednesday. (AP)