Manchester United drop points in Newcastle draw

LONDON, Jan 1 (Reuters) Premier League leaders Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw at Newcastle United today in a setback that will give fresh hope to champions Chelsea.

Alex Ferguson's men were trailing to a fine James Milner goal before Paul Scholes scored either side of halftime to give them a 2-1 lead -- only for Canadian defender David Edgar to grab Newcastle's equaliser in the 73rd minute on his home debut.

Manchester United are top with 54 points from 22 games, while second-placed Chelsea have 47 points from 21 before their game at Aston Villa on Tuesday.

Liverpool earlier turned on the style in the second half to beat Bolton Wanderers 3-0 and leapfrog their Lancashire rivals into third place on 40 points.

Reuters DH VP0115