Ronaldo sends United clear as Chelsea stumble

Manchester United opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League after beating Bolton Wanderers 2-0 yesterday. The prolific Cristiano Ronaldo inspired the Reds to a fourth consecutive league victory with two classy first-half goals to take his tally for the season to 33.

In a rip-roaring London derby at White Hart Lane, Chelsea led three times against Tottenham but were held 4-4. Joe Cole's double looked to have earned Chelsea the points before Robbie Keane struck with a superb 88th-minute equaliser.

Victory would have put Chelsea level on points with Arsenal but they still trail the Gunners by two points and champions United by five.

Ronaldo was captain for the night at Old Trafford and the Portuguese repaid manager Alex Ferguson's faith with a masterful display to see off struggling Bolton.

He crashed in his first after nine minutes following a corner and tormented Bolton again after 20 with another swerving free-kick to add to his collection.

His double means he has now surpassed the 32 goals scored by George Best in the 1967-68 season, the highest season's tally for a United winger.

Chelsea were left kicking themselves after squandering two points at Spurs. Didier Drogba gave the Blues the lead with a third-minute header only for defender Jonathan Woodgate to equalise after 10 minutes.

Michael Essien restored Chelsea's lead after being played in by Cole who made it 3-1 after 52 minutes when he shrugged off a weak challenge by Pascal Chimbonda.

Dimitar Berbatov headed Spurs back into contention and substitute Tom Huddlestone made it 3-3.

Cole pounced again to shoot high past keeper Paul Robinson but in a barnstorming finish Keane curled an unstoppable shot past Carlo Cudicini.

Berbatov almost won it for Spurs in stoppage time but Cudicini somehow parried his close-range shot.