Chelsea 1-0 Reading

Reading suffered their fifth successive Premier League defeat as Michael Ballack's first-half header helped Chelsea to keep in touch at the top of the table.

Ballack headed in Paulo Ferreira's right-wing cross in the 32nd minute as the Blues dominated the first half. They were unable to score again in a nervy second half as Reading failed to make the most of several set-pieces. The Royals best chance fell to James Harper after some great work from Lita on the left.

Match reports
Royals lose to Ballack goal (Reading FC)
Ballack bullet beats Royals (Sky Sports)
Ballack too good for Royals (Setanta Sports)
Chelsea 1-0 Reading (BBC Sport)
Ballack quickens Chelsea pulses but still no one mentions the title (Guardian)
Ballack maintains Chelsea's pursuit (The Independent)
Michael Ballack proves his doubters wrong (The Mirror)
Ballack is beginning to look the boss (Telegraph)