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Eurosport - Thu, 20 Mar 08:04:00 2008

Manchester United claimed sole control of the top spot in the Premier League standings with a comfortable 2-0 win over Bolton at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo added another two goals to his tally, his 10th brace in United colours, as the defending champions secured a three-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the table, and a further two points clear of Chelsea.

United showed their intent right from the whistle with the returning Louis Saha and Carlos Tevez combining on the edge of the area, forcing Ricardo Gardner into action to turn the ball away for a corner.

Just one minute later though United had the lead they had been threatening to snatch. Nani's corner, whipped into the area, was poorly dealt with by the Bolton back four and the ball fell kindly for Ronaldo. The Portugal midfielder did not need a second invitation and fired his volley home from eight yards out.

Bolton, comfortably outplayed for the first 45 minutes, had their best chance of the half shortly after as Kevin Davies connected with a Danny Guthrie cross to force a brilliant save from Tomasz Kuszczak at the far post.

United hit back immediately though with Ronaldo striking yet another outstanding free-kick into the top right-hand corner of the net from 25 yards out after he was brought down by Abdoulaye Meite.

Nemanja Vidic almost added a third for the hosts 10 minutes before the interval as he got a head to another Nani corner before seeing it turned away at the right-hand post by a loitering Guthrie.

United picked up where they left off at the restart, with Nani forcing a brilliant save at the bottom right-hand corner of the net from a free-kick on the edge of the area.

But Bolton seemed to find a second gear after enjoying a period of dominance where they were unlucky not to get themselves on the scoreboard.

El-Hadji Diouf looked to have got Bolton right back into the match when he curled his free-kick past a flailing Kuszczak but the referee had not blown his whistle and the goal was disallowed.

A poor second attempt from Diouf, in exactly the same place as the first, was easily read by the keeper but it revitalised Bolton, who proceeded to dominate for the next 20 minutes.

Subsitute Nicky Hunt tried his luck from 35 yards out, forcing an outstanding save from Kuszczak, while Gavin McCann also saw his long-range shot turned behind by the brilliant Pole.

Ronaldo came close to securing his hat-trick on a number of occasions, with his shot in the 67th minute forcing a great reaction save from Ali Al Habsi.

Nani also enjoyed a number of chances late in the second half but Al Habsi managed to protect his goal with a series of commendable saves to keep the scoreline respectable for Bolton.

Nevertheless, the title is now surely United's to lose as they entertain both Liverpool and Arsenal at home, while travelling away only to Chelsea.

yahooeuropesport

Geoff, can they go all the way this year?

Currently top, 3 points clear of Arsenal, I should say so. United play Liverpool tomorrow, and Chelsea play Arsenal.

Mouthwatering stuff!!

Ferguson was delighted with the win over Liverpool
Sir Alex Ferguson still believes three teams are in the Premier League title race despite his Manchester United side increasing their lead to five points.

United's advantage was six points following their 3-0 win over Liverpool, before Chelsea reduced the gap with a 2-1 victory against Arsenal.

"The title race is going right to end of the season because Chelsea and Arsenal are playing well," he said.

Chelsea boss Avram Grant added: "We are chasing and are now closer to the top."

Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge on 26 April - a game that could prove to be the title decider.

Arsenal, who Chelsea leapfrogged to take second place, are now six points behind United and face a trip to Old Trafford which may also have a bearing on the destination of the Premier League crown.

Ferguson was understandably ecstatic with the win over fierce rivals Liverpool and believed his side played as well as they have done all season at Old Trafford.

"It was a really good performance - a performance of maturity," said Ferguson.

"We've seen a team mature over the last six months and today they hit their high peak."

That will serve as a warning to Chelsea and Arsenal, although striker Didier Drogba, who scored both goals against Arsenal, is confident the Blues can spring a surprise.

"I think the win gave our club the belief we are still in the race against United," said the Ivory Coast forward.

"Arsenal are not out of it yet but I'm not sure what this defeat has done for their confidence.

"I hope we can go on and win the title. The way we celebrated today showed how much the league means to the team."

Drogba's performance pleased Grant, who is adamant his top marksman is back to his best.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
We will fight until the end and we are not worried about the future

"Didier was not so good when he came back from the African Nations Cup but last week against Spurs he was better, and today he was very good," said the Israeli, who saw his side fall behind to a Bacary Sagna goal.

Manager Arsene Wenger refused to rule out his Arsenal side's chances in the title race despite this latest blow which means that the Gunners have not picked up a win in six league games.

"We will fight until the end and we are not worried about the future but are disappointed now, obviously," said the Frenchman.

"Today we were unlucky and I thought we played well. We were 1-0 up and were unlucky with their first goal, which I thought was really offside.

"Nicolas Anelka came on for them and they decided to play long-ball, which put us under a lot of pressure, and that was the only way they could trouble us.

"In the end we lost the game. It is disappointing because we gave everything but now the priority has to be the next game."