The Premiership's top three sides all won as expected this afternoon - but while second-placed Arsenal cruised to an easy victory at Fulham, leaders Manchester United and third-placed Chelsea were made to sweat at Reading and Birmingham respectively.

Both teams had to rely on late goals to secure their points. Wayne Rooney was the hero for Manchester United, who looked like dropping two precious points in the title race until the England striker popped up 13 minutes from time; Cristiano Ronaldo made it two in injury time after a slapstick mistake from Graeme Murty.

Chelsea were similarly struggling at Birmingham, who for long periods gave as good as they got against Avram Grant's expensive side. But Chelsea's strength in depth eventually told, Claudio Pizarro heading home the game's only goal with 11 minutes left.

Arsenal had lost at Craven Cottage last season, but there were no problems this time round as two first-half Emmanuel Adebayor goals - his 14th and 15th of the season - and a Tomas Rosicky strike secured the points. Roy Hodgson's side remain second bottom, five points from safety.

Portsmouth finally slaked their thirst after a long scoring drought at Fratton Park. The south-coast side hadn't scored at home since putting seven past Reading in September, and more woe appeared on the cards as bottom club Derby took a fourth-minute lead through Lewin Nyatanga. But two quick-fire goals before half time from Benjani turned the game, and the Zimbabwe captain completed his hat-trick in the second half.

Middlesbrough were impressive at Blackburn, but despite creating a plethora of chances, only had a 13th-minute effort from David Wheater to show for their efforts. For most of the afternoon it looked like that would be enough for Gareth Southgate's struggling team, but Rovers midfielder Matt Derbyshire equalised with 15 minutes to go to deny Boro two crucial points in their fight against relegation..

Tottenham, who had scored 26 goals in their last seven home games, added another two this afternoon against relegation-haunted Sunderland. Aaron Lennon put them ahead inside two minutes, though the floodgates never opened, and as the game on it was Sunderland who looked the more dangerous. However in injury time Robbie Keane made sure of the points against the run of play.