Manchester United stay clear of Chelsea at the top (Roundup)

Nov 18, 2006, 18:06 GMT

London - Wayne Rooney grabbed a brace as Manchester United came from a goal down to win 2-1 at Sheffield United and maintain their three-point lead over Chelsea at the top of the English Premiership.

Champions Chelsea stayed in touch with a hard-fought 1-0 win over West Ham United at Stamford Bridge, while Arsenal lost ground as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Newcastle United.

At Bramall Lane, Keith Gillespie headed Sheffield United into a surprise lead after 12 minutes but that just awoke the beast in the visitors and Rooney equalised just before the half-hour mark.

Rooney then put Sir Alex Ferguson's side ahead with 16 minutes to go and United should have extended their lead only for Cristiano Ronaldo to put the ball over the bar from close range late on.

The result left them on 34 points, three better than Chelsea.

Chelsea were never at their best against West Ham but a superb free-kick from midfielder Geremi was enough to give them victory and stay in touch with United.

Thierry Henry came off the substitutes bench to cancel out Kieron Dyer's opener for Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium but Arsenal could not find a winner.

Portsmouth leapfrogged them into third after a 2-1 win over Watford, thanks to last-minute Lomano Lua Lua penalty, while Everton beat Bolton 1-0 and Reading beat Charlton 2-0.

Manchester City maintained their 100 percent home record as they beat Fulham 3-1 thanks to two goals from Bernado Corradi.

Later on Saturday, Liverpool will hope to record their first away league win of the season when they travel to Middlesbrough.