Chelsea opened up a three-point lead at the top of the English Premier League on Saturday, Ashley Cole’s late strike providing a 1-0 win over Stoke City.

Everton and West Bromwich Albion moved up to second place, for 24 hours at least, as they earned victories at Swansea City and at home to Reading respectively.

Southampton picked up their first win of the season with a 4-1 thumping of Aston Villa, Rickie Lambert scoring two of their four second-half goals.

Chelsea looked like being held by a battling Stoke side but with five minutes to go at Stamford Bridge a brilliant flick from Juan Mata found Cole in front of goal and the fullback slammed home the winner.

The result lifts Chelsea to 13 points from their first five matches, still unbeaten this season, three better than Everton and Swansea, with Fulham fourth after a 2-1 win at Wigan.

Victor Anichebe put Everton ahead after 21 minutes at Swansea and Kevin Mirallas doubled their lead just before half-time.

Swansea tried to get back into the game but Marouane Fellaini secured the 3-0 victory eight minutes from time.

Romelu Lukaku scored on his debut as West Brom beat bottom-side Reading 1-0 while West Ham United and Sunderland drew 1-1 at Upton Park.

Champions Manchester City take on Arsenal on Sunday while Manchester United are at Liverpool.