It was a good weekend for Manchester United as they clawed back points from top two, Chelsea and Arsenal.

United comfortably beat Aston Villa 4-0 at Old Trafford, while Chelsea could only manage to draw 1-1 with Leeds. Arsenal were also held to a 1-1 draw away at Leicester.

Alex Ferguson was delighted with a brace each from Diego Forlan and Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

“Strikers love to score and Diego’s in fine form,” he said. “It wasn’t easy to leave him out in view of his form over the last few weeks.”

Damien Duff was Chelsea’s saviour by scoring in the 70th minute after Jermaine Pennant had put Leeds ahead.

Arsenal looked to have secured all three points until veteran Craig Hignett scored in the 90th minute to cancel out Gilberto Silva’s headed goal on the hour. Arsenal also had left back Ashley Cole sent off for a horrific two-footed challenge on Leicester captain, Ben Thatcher.

Fulham continue to prove their critics wrong by remaining in fourth place after beating Bolton at Loftus Road. Kevin Davis had given Bolton the lead, but two goals in as many minutes from Sean Davis and Facundo Sava ensured that the three points went to Chris Coleman’s men.

Tottenham moved into 11th after winning 5-2 against Wolves, who are now bottom. Robbie Keane marked an impressive performance against his former club by scoring a hat-trick.

Liverpool and Newcastle shared the points after they drew 1-1 at St James’ Park. The Reds had taken an early lead when Danny Murphy pounced to knock the ball through Shay Given’s legs. Alan Shearer converted a penalty kick to make it 1-1.

Two second-half goals from Bret Ormerod helped Southampton to beat Charlton 3-2. Blackburn pulled off a surprise 4-0 drubbing in Birmingham, while Middlesboro drew 0-0 with Portsmouth and Everton drew 0-0 with Man City.