>> ASIAONE / NEWS / LATEST NEWS / SPORTS / STORY
Soccer: Ronaldo sends United clear as Chelsea stumble
Thu, Mar 20, 2008
Reuters

LONDON - MANCHESTER United opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League after beating Bolton Wanderers 2-0 on Wednesday.

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 Hotspur 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 reigning champions United by five in a thrilling title race.

Ronaldo was captain for the night at Old Trafford and the Portuguese winger 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.

Bolton did have an effort ruled out after the break but a fifth consecutive league defeat leaves them mired in the relegation zone.

Tottenham 4-4 ChelseaChelsea were left kicking themselves after squandering two points at Spurs, having led 3-1 with 15 minutes to go.

Didier Drogba gave the Blues the lead with a third-minute header only for defender Jonathan Woodgate, who scored the goal that gave Tottenham a memorable League Cup victory over Chelsea last month, to equalise after 10 minutes.

Michael Essien restored Chelsea's lead after being played in by Cole and Cole 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 with a thumping shot through a crowd.

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. -- REUTERS

 

 
STORY INDEX
 
  Soccer: Ronaldo sends United clear as Chelsea stumble
   
 
  Todt resigns as Ferrari CEO, replaced by Felisa
   
 
  Yachting: US court rules in favour of Oracle in America's Cup row
   
 
  S'pore opposes boycott of Beijing Olympics
   
 
  Owen equaliser gives Newcastle breathing space
   
 
  Olympics: No calls for a Beijing Games boycott, says Rogge
   
 
  Soccer: Owen equaliser gives Newcastle breathing space
   
 
  Olympics: No calls for a Beijing Games boycott, says Rogge
   
 
  Indon sports minister threatens to sue top football officials: spokesman
   
 
  Australia will not boycott Beijing Games: Olympic chief
   
We welcome contributions, comments and tips.
a1admin@sph.com.sg
Search: