Cristiano Ronaldo [Images] scored twice in two minutes on Sunday to send Manchester United three points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League after a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers.

With unbeaten Arsenal playing at Reading on Monday, the champions were in rampant form at Old Trafford with Ronaldo heading home in the 34th minute and doubling his tally with a right-footed shot in the 36th.

Blackburn, managed by former United regular Mark Hughes, had David Dunn sent off for a second yellow card in the 53rd minute.

The first league fixture of Alex Ferguson's 22nd year as manager left United alone on 30 points from 13 matches to Arsenal's 27 from 11.

Everton denied Chelsea a home win and the chance to close the gap at the top of the Premier League with a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Tim Cahill scored with a brilliant overhead kick in the 89th minute to leave goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini, standing in for the injured Petr Cech, with no chance.

Didier Drogba, who has now scored in his last four league matches against Everton, had put Chelsea in front in the 70th minute when he nodded in at the near post off a corner by Ivory Coast compatriot and substitute Salomon Kalou.

"It's frustrating, especially as we played very well and created a lot of chances. They had one chance and they scored," said Chelsea manager Avram Grant.

"I'm happy with the football we played but not with the result.

"We have too many injuries. One month ago we were playing with a completely different back four and goalkeeper," added the Israeli.

Chelsea, who had won their four previous Premier League matches, remain unbeaten at home in 69 league matches while Everton, in ninth place, added to their run of five wins in a row with a deserved point.

Liverpool, who beat Fulham 2-0 in one of three matches played on Saturday, slipped back to fifth place.