United go clear as contenders drop off the pace

The results were all positive for Alex Ferguson’s United, who head the table with 49 points, ahead of second-placed Arsenal on 46. Chelsea stay third on 42.

Manchester United confirmed their status as title favourites as Scholes and Van Nistelrooy, scoring his 14th league goal of the season, established a two-goal lead at the break. Bolton finished strongly and French playmaker Youri Djorkaeff pulled one back in the 89th minute.

A buoyant Ferguson said, ‘‘Collectively we are playing some really good football, not many teams will win at Bolton. It’s been a good night for us with the bonus of other teams dropping points.’’

Arsenal, whose 30-match unbeaten run was ended by Everton last season, lacked their usual sparkle at Goodison Park despite Nigerian forward Nwankwo Kanu giving them a first-half lead. Their consolation, after Radzinski’s late equaliser, was to maintain their unbeaten start to this season, now 20 matches.

The real surprise, though, came at Stamford Bridge where Liverpool had lost their last eight games against Chelsea. The visitors were missing injured skipper Steven Gerrard and had to replace injured keeper Jerzy Dudek in the second half, while Engand striker Michael Owen was on the bench.

But Liverpool, whose defeat in this fixture last season gave Chelsea a Champions League qualifying place at their expense, took their revenge with a determined performance.

‘‘We’ve had a difficult week and it was an ideal opportunity for the players to respond and to show the critics are wrong,’’ manager Gerard Houllier said. ‘‘It was a great game to show not only the talent but also the togetherness and determination of the team.’’ (Reuters)