Premiership round-up: Manchester Unitedneeded a late strike from two-goal Wayne Rooney to maintain their three-point lead at the top of the Premiership with a 2-1win at Sheffield United.
After Gary Neville missed a fine early chance, former Red Devil Keith Gillespie gave the Blades the lead with an athletic diving header across Edwin Van der Sar in the 13th minute.
But Wayne Rooney (30) collected a cross and fired home clinically to get the visitors back on terms and then volleyed Patrice Evra's cross into the far corner with 15 minutes remaining.
There was still time for Cristiano Ronaldo to head against the crossbar and miss on open goal from five yards as United held on.
It was a vital win for Alex Ferguson's side after second-place Chelseamaintained the pressure with a 1-0victory over West Hamat Stamford Bridge
The home side soon seized control of the game and Geremi blasted them into the lead with a well-struck 20-yard free-kick in the 22nd minute.
Nigel Reo-Coker almost scored for the Hammers late in the half, but Frank Lampard then spurned a good chance early in the second period and Michael Essien hit the post.
Arsenal'spursuit of the top two was hampered by a frustrating 1-1draw with struggling Newcastleat the Emirates Stadium.
Kieron Dyer handed United a surprise advantage in the 30th minute when he curled home accurately after the Gunners defence was left exposed.
Emmanuel Adebayor, substitute Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas all forced good saves from the returning Shay Given in the second half, before Henry (70) fired a free-kick in off the underside of the crossbar from 25 yards.
Evertonmoved to within a point of Boltonthanks to a 1-0win at Goodison Park.
A predictably combative first half saw Ivan Campo fire wide, while Leon Osman and Lee Carsley both missed reasonable chances.
However, Mikel Arteta gave Everton the lead on the hour mark when he cut inside and struck a fierce effort past Jussi Jaaskelainen from the edge of the area, though Idan Tal struck the post almost straight afterwards.
Classy Readingruined Les Reed's managerial debut for Charlton, emerging 2-0winners at the Madejski Stadium.
The Royals took the lead in the 18th minute after a fine move ended with Nicky Shorey crossing perfectly for Seol Ki-Hyeon to head home for Steve Coppell's dominant side.
The Addicks improved after the break but struggled to create chances despite having the lion's share of possession and Reading made them pay when Kevin Doyle flicked home a second (72).
Portsmouthhad to wait until the closing minutes to secure a 2-1win over Watfordat Fratton Park.
Adrian Boothroyd's side took the lead against the run of play when David James failed to collect a corner and Jay DeMerit headed home in the 32nd minute, only for Kanu (44) to fire a scrappy, if deserved equaliser.
Substitute Andrew Cole had a late goal disallowed for a push, before DeMerit's foul allowed Lomano LuaLua (89) to fire home from the penalty spot.
Manchester Cityeased to a comfortable 3-1victory over Fulhamin today's early kick-off thanks to a clinical first-half display.
City raced into a three-goal half-time lead thanks to Bernardo Corradi's fine brace and a cool injury-time finish from Joey Barton after a pitch-length break.
Dutchman Collins John pulled one back for the Cottagers in the second half with a neat chip, but the home side never looked like losing their unbeaten record at Eastlands.
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