LONDON: Chelsea maintained their perfect start to the defence of their Premier League title as Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba struck in a 2-0 home win against Stoke City on Saturday.

Chelsea won their opening two league games 6-0 but found life more difficult against a spirited Stoke side who battled hard before Drogba`s second-half penalty sealed a home win. Frank Lampard missed from the spot in the first half.

Arsenal had briefly topped the table after a 2-1 win at Blackburn Rovers in an early kickoff -- Theo Walcott striking his fourth goal of the season in an impressive away win for the Gunners.

Tottenham Hotspur suffered a surprise 1-0 home defeat by Wigan Athletic, who had conceded 10 goals without finding the net in their opening two fixtures.

Blackpool`s first home match in the top flight since 1971 ended in a 2-2 draw with Fulham while Andy Carroll was on target again for Newcastle United who drew 1-1 at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Chelsea have a maximum nine points with Arsenal on seven.

BDST: 2228HRS, August 28, 2010