Manchester United outplays Villa, Arsenal rallies against Bolton

Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United dominated Aston Villa 4-0 Saturday, and Arsenal rallied for a win 3-2 at Bolton to keep the English title race alive.

Ronaldo scored United’s first goal on an audacious backheel, nudging the ball between the legs of Villa defender Martin Laursen after 17 minutes at Old Trafford. He then set up strikes for Carlos Tevez (33rd) and Wayne Rooney (53rd and 70th).

United’s 24th victory gives the defending champion 76 points from 32 games. It holds a six-point lead over Arsenal with six rounds of matches to go. Chelsea has 68 points and can regain second from the Gunners by beating Middlesbrough at home on Sunday.

While United cruised, Arsenal came back from two goals and a man down at Bolton, where it had lost three seasons in a row.

Matt Taylor scored twice for the home side in the first half and Arsenal had midfielder Abou Diaby sent off in the 31st minute for an ugly, studs-up challenge on Gretar Steinsson. William Gallas replied for the 10-man Gunners in the 62nd minute, Robin van Persie netted a penalty six minutes later and Bolton defender JLloyd Samuel deflected a cross from Alexander Hleb into his own net.

Last place Derby was guaranteed relegation after drawing 2-2 with Fulham and 17th place Birmingham beat Manchester City 3-1.

Rival American goalkeepers Marcus Hahnemann and Brad Friedel made standout saves in Reading’s 0-0 draw with Blackburn, Sunderland edged West Ham 2-1 and Portsmouth beat Wigan 2-0. Sunday’s other games are Liverpool-Everton and Tottenham-Newcastle.source; yahoo