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Sunday 18 October 2009

Man Utd 2 - 1 Bolton

Manchester United moved top of the Premier League with a nervy victory over Bolton at Old Trafford. The champions took an early lead when Michael Owen's header was deflected into his own net by Zat Knight.

After Antonio Valencia lashed home his first goal for United, the hosts looked to be cruising to the three points. But Matt Taylor headed in from Kevin Davies' cross and Bolton began to flood forward in search of an equaliser, only to be denied by some dogged defending.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men will be mightily relieved to have secured the win, which was far from convincing but sees them go a point clear of Chelsea after the Blues were beaten at Aston Villa earlier on Saturday. Such was their dominance, United seemed to switch off mid-way through the second half and were fortunate not to be punished as Bolton laid siege to their goal.

They will have to raise their game for the trips to CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Wednesday and then Liverpool in the league four days later. Bolton, who drop a place to 13th, will feel their late rally was worthy of a point but, in truth, they would have been out of contention far earlier had United taken a few more of their numerous chances. (BBC Sport)