Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo's (centre) shot is blocked by Blackburn Rovers' Brad Friedel (left) as Morten-Gamst Pedersen slides during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England yesterday. United won 2-0. - REUTERS

LONDON (Reuters):

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in two minutes yesterday to send Manchester United three points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League after a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.

With unbeaten Arsenal playing at Reading today, the champions seized their opportunity at Old Trafford with Ronaldo heading home in the 34th minute and doubling his tally with a right-footed shot in the 36th.

Blackburn, managed by former United stalwart Mark Hughes, came close when Christopher Samba hit the bar in the first half, but had David Dunn sent off for a second yellow card in the 53rd minute.

The first league fixture of Alex Ferguson's 22nd year as manager left United, without injured Wayne Rooney, alone on 30 points from 13 matches to Arsenal's 27 from 11. Manchester City hung on to third place, on 26 points, with a goalless draw at Portsmouth.

Chelsea could have leapfrogged Sven-Goran Eriksson's side but were held 1-1 by Everton at Stamford Bridge and are fourth on 25 points.

"The decisive moments were a fantastic header from Ronaldo and a quick goal after it, that killed them really," Ferguson told Sky Sports television.

"The second half was a professional performance, they kept the possession well and didn't take a great deal of risk," added Ferguson, who singled out the indefatigable Ryan Giggs for particular praise.

"They could have scored a couple more but I'm really happy because they (Blackburn) are a good side."

Hughes was disappointed, saying: "I thought we more than held our own in the first half."

As for Dunn's sending off for tripping Louis Saha, he added: "It wasn't a really poor or a violent challenge. He was unlucky to get booked in the first half in my view as well, so we feel a bit harshly done by.

"Unfortunately the game was taken away from us."

CHELSEA HELD

Chelsea had all three points in the bag until a brilliant overhead kick by Tim Cahill in the 89th minute left goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini, standing in for the injured Petr Cech, with no chance.

Didier Drogba had put Chelsea in front in the 70th minute when he nodded in at the near post off a corner by Ivory Coast compatriot and substitute Salomon Kalou.

"It's frustrating, especially as we played very well and created a lot of chances. They had one chance and they scored," said Chelsea manager Avram Grant.

"We have too many injuries. One month ago we were playing with a completely different back four and goalkeeper."

Liverpool, who beat Fulham 2-0 in one of just three matches played on Saturday, slipped back to fifth place.

Tottenham Hotspur were yesterday's high scorers, thrashing Wigan Athletic 4-0 at White Hart Lane with Jermaine Jenas netting twice in the first half. Aaron Lennon added a third before the break before substitute Darren Bent rounded out the scoring in the 73rd to continue Juande Ramos' unbeaten record since he took over as manager last month.

The scoreline was a bitter pill for Wigan's Frank Barlow in his first game as caretaker manager.

In the day's early match, Gabriel Agbonlahor cleared off the line and then scored a late winner two minutes later to give Aston Villa a 2-1 victory in the West Midlands derby at Birmingham City. Bolton Wanderers and Middlesbrough drew 0-0.