Ballack maintains Blues' pursuit

No slip-up
Having fought back to draw 1-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday, Chelsea completed a satisfactory stay in the north-west of England as they avoided a potential banana skin at the Reebok Stadium, proving too strong for a Bolton side who had begun the day in third place. Michael Ballack headed the only goal for the champions in first-half stoppage time.

Ronaldo on target
United retained their lead at the Premiership summit thanks to a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Everton FC. Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock after 39 minutes before Patrice Evra (63) and John O’Shea (89) added to the advantage in the second half. United now have 38 points to Chelsea's 35.

Arsenal lose again
Arsenal FC suffered their third successive Premiership away defeat, going down 2-1 at Fulham FC. Early goals from Brian McBride (6) and Tomasz Radzinski (19) gave the hosts a dream start and although Robin van Persie's free-kick reduced the deficit on 36 minutes, an equaliser proved beyond Arsène Wenger's side, who lie 16 points off the summit in sixth. It was Fulham's first victory over their fellow Londoners in 40 years.

Portsmouth go third
Elsewhere, Portsmouth FC climbed to third in the table – level on 24 points with Bolton but ahead on goal difference - after earning a goalless draw at Liverpool FC, while Manchester City FC claimed their first away success of the season, winning 3-1 at Aston Villa FC. Villa old boy Darius Vassell (18) and Joey Barton (32) gave the visitors a comfortable lead going into the break and although Gavin McCann (66) pulled a goal back, Sylvain Distin (75) made sure with City’s third as Martin O'Neill suffered his first home defeat as Villa manager.