England round-up: Important wins for top two

Manchester United FC maintained their three-point advantage at the top of the Premiership with a 3-1 home win against Blackburn Rovers FC.

Game in hand
United remained three points ahead of champions Arsenal FC, who also earned a vital victory, although the second-placed side have a game in hand.

Prolific season
David Beckham created United's first goal, as his 20th-minute cross was headed into the net by Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooij, but Blackburn were level within three minutes, as goalkeeper Fabien Barthez failed to claim a David Dunn free-kick and former United defender Henning Berg headed in. Paul Scholes restored United's lead after 41 minutes, scoring after good work from Phil Neville.

Instant impact
Barthez was substituted at half-time, but his replacement Ricardo conceded a penalty within two minutes, bringing down Andy Cole, only to atone by saving Dunn's kick. Scholes sealed the win a minute past the hour, finishing off a move involving Ryan Giggs and Van Nistelrooij.

Hard-earned victory
Arsenal were 2-0 winners at Middlesbrough FC, with Sylvain Wiltord's goal three minutes into the second period putting Arsenal in front in a tight game, before Thierry Henry confirmed the victory eight minutes from time.

Derby success
Liverpool FC moved above Everton FC into fifth place with a 2-1 away triumph in the Merseyside derby. Michael Owen gave Liverpool the lead after 31 minutes, but David Unsworth equalised from the penalty spot for Everton two minutes before the hour. Danny Murphy restored Liverpool's lead six minutes later, and both David Weir and Gary Naysmith were dismissed for Everton in the closing stages.

Late drama
Third-placed Newcastle United FC as Fulham FC moved away from the relegation zone with a 2-1 win. Alan Shearer headed the away side into the lead six minutes before half-time, but defender Andy Griffin was dismissed as Fulham rallied in the second period. Sylvain Legwinski equalised with a long-range shot, before former Newcastle midfield player Lee Clark scored the winner with four minutes remaining.

Chelsea defeat
Chelsea FC's hopes of claiming fourth place suffered a significant setback as they were defeated 2-1 at Aston Villa FC, with Swedish international striker Marcus Allbäck scoring twice, and John Terry's late goal not enough for Chelsea.

All-important goal
At the bottom of the table, fourth-bottom Bolton Wanderers FC earned a crucial 1-0 win at home to West Ham United FC, the side immediately below them, with Nigerian playmaker Jay-Jay Okocha scoring the only goal of the game, while West Ham's Ian Pearce was shown a late red card.

West Brom relegated
Bolton’s win meant that West Bromwich Albion FC, 2-1 winners at already-relegated Sunderland AFC with Derek McInnes scoring twice, were also demoted. Meanwhile, Birmingham City FC virtually guaranteed their survival with a 2-0 success at Charlton Athletic FC, with goals in either half from Christophe Dugarry and Robbie Savage from the penalty spot.

Southampton success
Southampton FC survived a late rally to defeat Leeds United AFC 3-2. Brett Ormerod, James Beattie and Anders Svensson scored for the home side, with Harry Kewell and Nick Barmby scoring late goals for Leeds, who had Alan Smith dimissed.