Guangzhou Evergrande had a four-point lead at the top of the Chinese Super League (CLS) on Friday as Fabio Cannavaro's side beat Shenzhen FC 3-2.

Evergrande dominated the match as Elkeson and Paulinho were on target in the first half. Elkeson broke the deadlock in the 15th minute before Paulinho had a goal four minutes later. The Brazil-born striker then made his second in the 52nd minute to secure the victory.

"We have to change players due to the unpredictable injuries of Gao Zhunyi and Feng Xiaoting. But it does not affect us much since we all cooperate well in daily training," defender Mei Fang said.

For the seven-time champions, who have set their sights on reclaiming the crown they surrendered to Shanghai SIPG last season, the victory over Shenzhen FC means a lot as it is Guangzhou's first CSL win in six rounds.

Guangzhou Evergrande had a good performance in August when they brushed aside Shandong Luneng 3-0 and won over Beijing Guoan 3-1 while away.

The league leaders were seven points clear at the summit and on course for an eighth Chinese Super League title in nine seasons two month ago.

However, the 1-1 draw with Chongqing Lifan and a 3-1 defeat to Jiangsu Suning following a month break in the league has all changed at the top.

Another game on September 22 saw a shocking loss for the title favorites, who were beaten 1-0 at home by the newly promoted Wuhan Zall.

Cannavaro's side now lead second-place Beijing Guoan by four points before the club from the nation's capital play Shanghai SIPG on Saturday.