Premier League: Utd beat Arsenal, Reds hit back

Manchester United battled back after a wonder-goal from Andrei Arshavin to grab all three points against Arsenal at Old Trafford with a 2-1 win. The Russian gave the Gunners the lead, but a Wayne Rooney penalty and Abou Diaby's own goal gave United the points.

Diaby is consoled after putting in his own net.

Arshavin smashed home an incredible strike in the first-half, but Manuel Almunia brought down Wayne Rooney in the second, and the England man converted his spot-kick. Diaby then headed a free-kick into his own net to give United the lead and Arsenal never looked like coming back.

Robin van Persie had the ball in the net late on, but William Gallas was ruled offside and there was even time for a piece of comedy as Arsene Wenger was sent to the stands, only to go and take his place above the Arsenal bench, in front of the United faithful.

Chelsea deposed Spurs at the Premier League summit by maintaining their perfect start to the campaign with victory over newly promoted Burnley in the lunchtime game at Stamford Bridge. The Clarets were brought down to earth with a bump following their recent victories over Manchester United and Everton as the Blues cruised to a 3-0 win.

A first-half strike from Nicolas Anelka set Chelsea on their way before Owen Coyle's hopes of springing an unlikely Burnley comeback were abruptly rubbed out with a quick-fire brace just after the break. Michael Ballack and Ashley Cole supplied the finishing touches for the home side who top the table on goal difference.

Liverpool's stuttering start to the season was given a late boost in their game againstBolton with Steven Gerrard riding to the rescue once more to bag the winner in a 2-3 winagainst a Trotters side who had yet to score in the Premier League prior to Saturday afternoon.

A 33rd minute strike from Kevin Davies opened his side's account and put further pressure on Rafael Benitez's currently shaky Liverpool side, but Glen Johnson bagged his second goal in Liverpool colours to settle the visitors' nerves.

Benitez handed new signing Sotirios Kyrgiakos his debut in the Liverpool defence and favoured Albert Riera over Yossi Benayoun on the left but his side were unable to prevent Tamir Cohen netting a 47th-minute strike for the Trotters who had Sean Davis dismissed shortly afterwards. Fernando Torres responded swiftly with a second Liverpool equaliser but Gerrard had the final word with an 83rd minute goal that puts Liverpool's title bid back on track.

Tottenham's flawless start to their Premier League campaign continued with a last minute Aaron Lennon strike securing a 2-1 win against Birmingham City at White Hart Lane. Aaron Lennon drew an early save from on-loan Birmingham keeper Joe Hart and Sebastian Larsson went close when he tested Carlo Cudicini at the other end but Peter Crouch's first Premier League goal for Spurs put Harry Redknapp's side ahead.

A groin injury had forced Spurs captain Ledley King off and Lee Bowyer was able to capitalise with an equalising goal in the 75th minute but Lennon broke Alex McLeish's mens' hearts with his goal at the death.

Goals at the start of each half saw honours even as it finished 1-1 between Hull and Wolvesat Molineux. A third minute goal from Geovanni shocked Mick McCarthy's side but Richard Stearman's goal just after the break pulled Wolves level. Neither side were able to find a decisive strike in a game that leaves both teams with four points from their opening fixtures.

Stoke City secured a 1-0 win at home to Sunderland courtesy of Dave Kitson's first Premier League goal for the Potters. Kitson added to his midweek strike in the Carling Cup with the ex-Reading striker netting just before the break against Sunderland at the Britannia Stadium.

With Stoke's new £5m signings, Roberth Huth and Tuncay Sanli, having to make do with places on the bench, Tony Pulis' side celebrated their second home win of the campaign so far.

Blackburn secured their first point of the new season with a 0-0 draw at home to West Hamand hauled themselves out of the bottom three after Bolton were beaten by Liverpool. David Hoilet went closest to winning the points for Blackburn who had Pascal Chimbonda making his debut in a game which carried few attacking moments.

United come from behind

Manchester United battled back after a wonder-goal from Andrei Arshavin

to grab all three points against Arsenal at Old Trafford with a 2-1 win.

The Russian gave the Gunners the lead, but a Wayne Rooney penalty

and Abou Diaby's own goal gave United the points.

The Moment Of Truth Has Arrived For Milan Ace Ronaldinho - Cafu

The Brazilian is confident that Ronaldinho will shine this year...

Seria A: Milan-Inter, Cafu (Grazia Neri)

Former AC Milan defender Cafu believes this season will be Ronaldinho's big chance to prove his critics wrong.

'Dinho has lost weight over the summer and has looked sharp in training. The play-maker put together an excellent performance in the 2-1 win over Siena on Saturday, and expectations are high.

Cafu, who played alongside Ronaldinho at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, believes his former Selecao team-mate will silence his naysayers if he fulfills his true potential.

"This is the year of truth for both Ronaldinho and [Alexandre] Pato," Cafu told Il Corriere Della Sera.

"It all depends on them as to whether they go to the World Cup. I advise them to do well in their careers and to stamp their hallmark at Milan.

"Ronaldinho has great potential, and I hope he continues to show it everyday."

Cristiano Ronaldo puts Manchester United future on hold

Cristiano Ronaldo has reignited the uncertainty over his Manchester

United future by claiming that he intends to go on holiday before

deciding on where he wants to play his club football next season.

Coming or going? Cristiano Ronaldo arrives back at Manchester airport from Rome Photo: PA

The 24-year-old, who appeared to criticise the tactics employed by United during the Champions League final defeat against Barcelona in Rome on Wednesday, made no secret of his desire to leave Old Trafford for Real Madrid last summer.

And although the Portuguese seemingly played down the prospect of another 'stay-or-go' saga by insisting last week that he 'doesn't care' about what happens at Real this summer, his latest failure to commit himself to United has merely clouded the picture once again.

The imminent election of Florentino Perez as Real's new president is unlikely to boost Ronaldo's ambitions of moving to the Spanish club. Perez has identified Kaka and Franck Ribery as his key targets and successful moves for those world-class players would all but close the door on Ronaldo.

Ronaldo returned to Manchester with his United team-mates on Thursday. He is due to fly to Portugal next week to join the national squad in the build-up to the World Cup qualifier against Albania in Tirana on June 6.

Ronaldo insists he will then contemplate his future on holiday before United return for pre-season on July 6.

Ronaldo said: "I don't want to talk about clubs. I want to rest and to go on holidays because I am very tired.

"I've played many games under a lot of pressure. The future? We'll see. My future for now is the national team. We must win to be back on track in the World Cup."

United chief executive David Gill recently moved to quell the likelihood of Ronaldo leaving Old Trafford this summer by reiterating the club's stance that the player is not for sale.

"He is a great player and he is part of our club," Gill said.

"We made it clear last year. He is on a long-term contract with us and I can assure you that [the issue of his future] has never come up."

On more than one occasion in Rome, Ronaldo appeared to go against team tactics, by ignoring the claims of Wayne Rooney and holding onto the ball in an attempt to pierce the Barcelona rearguard on his own.

CRISTIANO RONALDO'S LEGS INSURED FOR $144 MILLION

Cristiano Ronaldo's thighs and calves have been insured by Real Madrid for $144 million:

"Real Madrid is attempting to protect themselves in case Cristiano, 24, ever gets seriously injured during a soccer match, according to Spanish newspaper El Mundo. While the sum may sound extravagant, the amount realistically quantifies Cristiano's dollar value to Real Madrid in terms of market and monetary income. In June, Real Madrid shelled out a stunning $131 million transfer fee to acquire the Portuguese international winger from Manchester United. That amount (which was only the transfer fee) does not include Cristiano's lofty salary of over $18.7 million a year. The insuring of Ronaldo's legendary pins comes shortly after Czech footballer Zdenek Grygera delivered a vicious kick to Cristiano's leg near the knee during a recent friendly."