London, November 12:

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Manchester United pulled clear at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Blackburn on Sunday. The champions’ win came as Chelsea’s climb up the table was stalled by Tim Cahill, whose spectacular last-minute equaliser earned Everton a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. United moved three points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table.

Third-placed Manchester City lost ground on the leaders after settling for a goalless draw at Portsmouth. Elsewhere, Tottenham hammered Wigan 4-0 to claim their first league win, Aston Villa emerged 2-1 winners from their local derby at Birmingham and Bolton shared the points with fellow strugglers Middlesbrough after a goalless draw.

A double from Jermaine Jenas and an Aaron Lennon strike saw Tottenham beat Wigan with barely half an hour gone. Darren Bent added another in 72nd minut leaving Wigan floundering in the relegation zone.

Gabriel Agbonlahor scored a late winner to give Aston Villa a 2-1 win at local rivals Birmingham. Liam Ridgewell conceded an own goal to give Villa the first half lead. But Mikael Forssell level for the hosts.