United keep title hopes alive

By Simon Hart

Manchester United FC closed the gap on Premiership leaders Chelsea FC to eight points as goals from Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney secured a home victory over Birmingham City FC.

Rooney clincher
The 2-0 win was United's fourth in succession in the Premiership and leaves them hoping that neighbours Manchester City FC can do them a favour when they visit Chelsea tomorrow. Keane opened the scoring with his 50th goal in United colours after 55 minutes and Rooney lobbed goalkeeper Maik Taylor for the second goal 12 minutes from time.

Norwich win
Prior to this afternoon, Norwich City FC's prospects of survival at the bottom were even slighter than United's of catching Chelsea at the top, yet today's crucial 3-2 home win against West Bromwich Albion FC will have given them real encouragement.

West Brom bottom
Trailing twice to goals from Robert Earnshaw and Kieron Richardson, they equalised twice through Craig Fleming and Gary Doherty before Damien Francis secured only their third win of the season with five minutes remaining. West Brom are bottom with 17 points while Norwich are now in 18th place with 20.

Arsenal bounce back
Third-placed Arsenal FC bounced back from their midweek defeat by United with a 3-1 win at Aston Villa FC, Fredrik Ljungberg, Thierry Henry and Ashley Cole all scoring inside the opening 28 minutes. Arsenal now have 54 points, two behind United.

Morientes scores
Fifth-placed Liverpool FC, meanwhile, were 3-1 home winners against Fulham FC, climbing to within four points of neighbours Everton FC who play at Southampton FC tomorrow. Fernando Morientes scored his second goal in as many games - his first at Anfield - to open the scoring after nine minutes. Andrew Cole equalised for the Londoners but second-half goals from Sami Hyypiä and Milan Baroš secured the Reds' win.

Mido debut
Egyptian striker Mido scored two debut goals as Tottenham Hotspur FC came from behind to defeat Portsmouth FC 3-1. After Diomansy Kamara had put Portsmouth ahead, Mido struck twice before Robbie Keane made it 3-1.

Strugglers beaten
Middlesbrough FC beat struggling Blackburn Rovers FC 1-0 through a Franck Queudrue goal, while Kevin Nolan earned Bolton Wanderers FC a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace FC. Finally, Newcastle United FC were held 1-1 at home by Charlton Athletic FC, Dennis Rommedahl equalising for the visitors within a minute of Kieron Dyer's opening goal.