MAN UNITED stretch lead to 3 points, CHELSEA held in 8-goal thriller.

Manchester United brushed aside Bolton to move three points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

Stand-in skipper Cristiano Ronaldo was in brilliant form, shooting home from a corner before striking a sensational free-kick that moved through the air.

Bolton, who have lost their last five league games, might have equalised but Tomasz Kuszczak denied Kevin Davies.

Kuszczak also denied Nicky Hunt and Gavin McCann while Nani and Ronaldo almost extended United's lead.

It was United's game in hand on Arsenal and they did not waste it, on what turned out to be an excellent night for Sir Alex Ferguson's team.

At one point in the season Bolton had ascended to 13th in the Premier League table but they now appear to be in deep trouble, third from bottom and with games against Arsenal and Chelsea among their remaining eight fixtures.

It was Ronaldo's 23rd Premier League goal of the season - taking him three clear of Fernando Torres at the top of the scoring table.

It was also his 33rd goal of the campaign in all competitions - and takes him past the season record set by George Best in 1968 of 32 goals by a winger.

Robbie Keane's stunning goal gave Spurs a thrilling point against Chelsea.

Didier Drogba headed Chelsea in front after three minutes but Jonathan Woodgate rose to equalise for Spurs.

Michael Essien's clever finish restored Chelsea's lead after 21 minutes and Joe Cole looked to have sealed the points with a third in the 52nd minute.

Dimitar Berbatov's header and a Tom Huddlestone strike put Spurs level, and after Cole hit his second, Keane curled in superbly two minutes from time.


AROUND THE BPL

Brazilian international Gilberto Silva says he will consider leaving Arsenal at the end of the season if he fails to break back into the first team.

The midfielder has struggled to hold down a regular place this season with Arsene Wenger often preferring Mathieu Flamini ahead of the Brazilian.

Gilberto also lost the club captaincy to William Gallas at the start of the season and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given the Brazilian just seven league starts all season.

Back in November Gilberto said he was happy to stay and fight for his place, but it now appears he wants to leave at the end of the current campaign.


Police investigating corruption within professional football have raided Birmingham City FC.

Officers swooped at the Premier League club in an "ongoing investigation into football corruption", City of London Police said.

A spokeswoman said it was not linked to the Lord Stevens inquiry into transfers and illegal payments to agents.

The club said the raid related to a police inquiry into "an unconnected third party or third parties".

It said no-one connected with the club had been questioned or arrested.

Lord Stevens published his report last year in which he highlighted concerns about 17 transfer deals involving Premier League clubs.

His inquiry concentrated mainly on illicit payments to agents.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson expects the title race to go all the way despite his team moving three points clear of Arsenal.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as United beat Bolton 2-0 to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

"It's nip and tuck now," said Ferguson, whose team play Liverpool on Sunday.

United assistant boss Carlos Queiroz said that the team's position is a source of great confidence to the squad.

"It was crucial to win and be in this position with eight games left," said Queiroz. "It gives us the right confidence and motivation.

"It is very positive that from now to the end our it is in our hands."

While United face Liverpool on Sunday, Arsenal travel to Chelsea.

And Queiroz added: "This is a crucial moment in the season, but all the games will be difficult.

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor has backed the supporters to create an atmosphere at St James' Park ahead of Saturday's visit of Fulham.

Monday's draw at Birmingham was helped by a vocal travelling support and Taylor believes the fans can be a big part of their bid to avoid relegation.

He told BBC Radio Newcastle: "We have to make St James' Park intimidating.

"The main thing for us is how our fans are on the day. I don't think we have ever needed them more than we do now."

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