Chelsea keep pressure on United

Chelsea signalled their intention to push Manchester United all the way to the wire in the Premier League title battle by cutting the champions' lead at the top back to two points with a 2-0 win at Manchester City on Saturday. United can re-establish a five-point advantage with five games to play by winning at Middlesbrough on Sunday.

Blackburn leave it late to clinch derby victory

Jason Roberts's last-minute winner secured a 2-1 win for Blackburn Rovers away to local rivals Bolton Wanderers as they battled back from going a goal down in dramatic fashion on Sunday. The Lancashire derby appeared destined for a draw when the striker burst clear from the halfway line and left several defenders behind him at the Reebok Stadium.

Liverpool frustrated by dogged City

Liverpool missed the chance to close within eight points of Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday as they could only draw 0-0 at Manchester City. Rafa Benitez's side still have a game in hand, and City remain unbeaten at home this season, but with Manchester United losing on Saturday and Arsenal only drawing on Boxing Day, this still felt like an opportunity missed.

Adebayor sends Arsenal five points clear

Emmanuel Adebayor sent Arsenal five points clear at the top of the Premier League as Arsene Wenger's side won 2-1 against Aston Villa on Saturday. Adebayor headed the winner to extend Arsenal's lead over second placed Chelsea after Mathieu Flamini had cancelled out Craig Gardner's opener at Villa Park.

Hard work starts now, says new Spurs manager

New Tottenham manager Juande Ramos had only a few words to say to his players after he saw Blackburn come from behind to win 2-1 at White Hart Lane on Sunday. He told them: "The hard work starts tomorrow." That work involves instilling a belief in a side that is not short on talent but has forgotten how to win.

Benni grounds City high-flyers

Benni McCarthy opened his Premier League scoring account for the new season as Blackburn took the wind out of Manchester City's sails with a 1-0 win at Ewood Park on Sunday. The South African striker pounced after 13 minutes to claim what was to be the only goal of a match both sides ended with 10 men.

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