Charlton’s Amady Faye was badly caught in possession and Frank Lampard produced a trademark strike in the 18th minute for the only goal of the game.

England captain John Terry made a welcome return from injury, coming off the Chelsea bench towards the end of the match.

Liverpool huffed and puffed but could not blow Everton’s defensive wall down as the Merseyside derby finished goalless at Anfield.

The Toffees defended brilliantly as Rafael Benitez’s side ran out of ideas despite spending most of the second half camped in the visitors’ half.

West Ham debutant Matthew Upson was forced off during a horrid afternoon against Aston Villa in the West Midlands which saw the struggling Londoners beaten 1-0 by a John Carew strike.

Former Birmingham defender Upson, who moved to the Hammers for an initial £6million last week, appeared to fall awkwardly and was replaced by Christian Dailly.

And before the break Norway striker Carew scored his first goal for the club to earn a 1-0 lead. The Hammers threw everything they had at Villa but were denied by both goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen and the woodwork in the second half.

Inspirational Morten Gamst Pedersen earned Blackburn a 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Ewood Park.

Rovers suffered an early blow with the loss of in-form striker Matt Derbyshire through injury in the 17th minute.

Brett Emerton crossed for Pedersen to head in at the far post before Jon Stead’s composure and awareness saw him equalise by diverting the ball past Brad Friedel for the leveller.

Stephen Warnock was dismissed for a second caution in the closing stages before Pedersen floated home a sublime free-kick in added time.

Wigan striker Lee McCulloch’s second-half strike proved Portsmouth’s undoing in a 1-0 win at a foggy JJB Stadium.

McCulloch advanced to hammer home the winner after 68 minutes after Pompey struggled to get the ball clear.

An opportunistic Heidar Helguson strike following Nicky Butt’s mistake helped Fulham towards a 2-1 victory over Newcastle at Craven Cottage.

After a dull first 45 minutes a bad backpass by Butt from the left flank presented Helguson with an opportunity and the striker lashed home the opening goal.

Brian McBride added the second after good work by Papa Bouba Diop before Obafemi Martins clawed one back in injury time.

Leroy Lita’s two goals on the break gave Reading a 2-0 win at Manchester City.

After Micah Richards’ attack broke down the Royals pounced and when Steve Sidwell fed his team-mate, Lita fired home brilliantly with six minutes to play. More sloppy midfield play gave Lita another opportunity and he raced forward to fire home a second.

Meanwhile a turgid affair at Vicarage Road saw Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka’s 63rd-minute goal secure Sam Allardyce three points against Watford.

Hornets keeper Ben Foster was unable to clear Gary Speed’s corner and Anelka was on hand to bundle home the winner.