Soccer-United beat Everton as Chelsea win at Bolton

LONDON, Nov 30 (Reuters) Leaders Manchester United stayed three points clear in the Premier League by beating Everton 3-0 while Michael Ballack steered champions Chelseato a 1-0 win at Bolton Wanderers.

Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo gave United a first-half lead yesterday before goals from defender Patrice Evra and midfielder John O'Shea after the break put the game beyond Everton's reach at Old Trafford.

Germany midfielder Ballack headed Chelsea's winner in first-half stoppage time at the Reebok stadium where they won the 2005 league title.

Fulham caused the upset of the night with a 2-1 home victory over an Arsenal side who finished with 10 men, Liverpool were held 0-0 by Portsmouth at Anfield and Manchester City were 3-1 winners at Aston Villa.

The title race now appears to be a two-horse race.

United, who drew 1-1 at home to Chelsea on Sunday, have 38 points from 15 games while Jose Mourinho's side are second on 35. Rank outsiders Portsmouth and Bolton follow on 24.

NEVILLE FAMILY United, who last won the league in 2003, looked comfortable in a game where the captaincies of the two sides were kept in the Neville family.

Gary was skipper of United and brother Phil wore the armband for Everton against his old club.

Manager Alex Ferguson was well-satisfied with United's return to winning ways, telling Sky Sports: ''After dropping two points on Sunday this was an important game for us''.

It also proved to be valuable insurance as Chelsea made it four points from six in their extended stay in the north west.

Bolton were caught out by a Frank Lampard corner, with Ballack rising at the near post to score with a glancing header.

Villa are fifth on 23 points after their first home defeat of the season, at the expense of City's first away win, while Arsenal are sixth with a game in hand on 22 points.

Four days after losing 3-1 at Bolton, Arsenal's title ambitions look over after Fulham accelerated into a 2-0 lead inside 20 minutes through American forward Brian McBride and Canadian Tomasz Radzinski.

Though Arsenal pulled a goal back with a stunning free kick from Robin van Persie, their chances of a comeback suffered a bodyblow when Swiss defender Philippe Senderos was red-carded in the 66th minute.

Liverpool missed a chance to move up the table and are seventh, level on points with Arsenal.

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