Champions Manchester United suffered their fourth defeat in six games as Chelsea waltzed to a shock 3-0 victory at Old Trafford today.
United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez was given another chance despite his blunders in the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal last week.
But the much-criticised United defence went missing after five minutes when Dutch international Mario Melchiot gave Chelsea the lead with a powerful header.
Argentine midfielder Juan Veron gave the ball away midway through the second half, allowing Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to score Chelsea's second goal in front of a stunned home crowd.
Iceland international Eidur Gudjohnsen finished off the rout with a well-taken goal four minutes from time after he beat United's offside trap.
The win lifted Chelsea into fourth place. But with six other English premier league matches due to kick off 3pm this afternoon, their position may be temporary.
United slip to seventh place in the table after their fifth league defeat of the season.