Premier League leaders Chelsea's title bid suffered a setback after they lost 2-1 away to Aston Villa in Saturday's early kick-off match.

Visitors Chelsea took a 15th minute lead at Villa Park when Didier Drogba's long-range shot bounced awkwardly in front of Brad Friedel and beat the American goalkeeper.

But Villa, who moved up into fifth place, levelled before the break when a poor header by England midfielder Frank Lampard allowed Richard Dunne to equalise from a corner.

And early in the second-half Villa again made Chelsea pay for a lapse at a corner when James Collins rose highest to head the hosts back into the lead.

Friedel preserved Villa's advantage by making several one-on-one saves, denying Deco and Nicolas Anelka in the process.

This was only Chelsea's second league defeat of the season following their 3-1 loss away to Wigan last month.

Reigning champions Manchester United will go a point ahead of Chelsea if they beat Bolton at Old Trafford later Saturday but a draw would see the London club remain top of the table.