Rooney subdued, Chelsea keep pace with Arsenal

Rooney, who scored a hat-trick in the 6-2 Champions League rout of Fenerbahce on Tuesday, his first game for United since joining from Everton for 27 million pounds ($48.51 million), was a peripheral figure for much of the match.

But Boro’s youthful side survived early pressure and took a deserved lead in the 32nd minute when midfielder Stewart Downing converted a cross from the impressive James Morrison.

United enjoyed plenty of possession after the break but relied heavily on winger Cristiano Ronaldo for their attacking spark as Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy struggled to repeat the link-up play that saw off Fenerbahce. Ten minutes from time United finally broke through when striker Alan Smith, who had just come on as a substitute for John O’Shea, headed Ronaldo’s inviting cross beyond Mark Schwarzer for his fifth goal of the season.

Still unbeaten under Mourinho, Chelsea were rarely threatened by a conservative Liverpool, although it took them a while to capitalise on their dominance.

The breakthrough came after 64 minutes when Cole, a first-half substitute for injured striker Didier Drogba, nonchalantly flicked a Frank Lampard free kick past Chris Kirkland. (Reuters)