A controversial and fortuitous goal from Chelsea striker Didier Drogba was enough to sink Arsenal 1-0 in the clash between last season's top two at Stamford Bridge.

A quick free-kick from Frank Lampard found Drogba, who appeared to be in an offside position, and the ball cannoned off the Ivory Coast international's shin and past a stranded Jens Lehmann.

It always looked likely to be enough in a tight game played at a frantic pace as despite the attractive football both sides served up the game yielded few chances.

Chelsea threatened early on with Damien Duff rounding Lehmann before winning a corner, from which Asier Del Horno's header was cleared off the line by Freddie Ljunberg.

It proved to be their best chance of the first half, whilst Arsenal's Ashley Cole bemoaned referee Graham Poll's decision not to give a penalty after the England left-back was apparently felled by William Gallas.

Earlier, a breakaway goal from Marcus Bent gave Everton a 1-0 win at Bolton - but Toffees manager David Moyes was dealt two more injury blows.

Bolton enjoyed the better chances in the first half and Nigel Martyn had to be alert to deny Kevin Davies.

Henrik Pedersen also hooked a shot just over and saw a header saved by Martyn, while Kevin Nolan volleyed over.

Everton's best first-half chance came when Kevin Kilbane headed wide.

Nolan should have given Bolton the lead just after the break but fired over after a neat turn - and the Trotters were made to rue that miss when Tim Cahill whipped in a cross from the left, leaving Bent with a simple finish from close range.

Bolton laid siege to the Everton goal late on and nearly found an equaliser when El-Hadji Diouf's fierce effort crashed back off the underside of the bar - but Everton held on for their first win of the season.