Van Nistelrooy lifts United, Spurs stun Charlton
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-10-02 10:03

LONDON, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy breathed more life back into Manchester United on Saturday, scoring twice in a 3-2 triumph at Fulham.

The victory brought United to within seven points of runaway leaders Chelsea but second-placed Charlton Athletic lost ground when they squandered a two-goal lead in a 3-2 home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur, for whom Robbie Keane grabbed a late winner.

Spurs joined Charlton on 15 points, six behind champions Chelsea, while United moved up to fourth on 14 points, the same as Bolton Wanderers who play on Sunday.

Blackburn Rovers beat struggling West Bromwich Albion 2-0 while Portsmouth and Newcastle United played out a goalless draw at Fratton Park. Sunderland held sixth-placed West Ham United 1-1 at the Stadium of Light.

Chelsea face Liverpool for the second time in four days when they visit Anfield on Sunday, the same day as Arsenal, on 10 points, host Birmingham City.

FRENETIC HALF

All the goals came in a frenetic first half at Craven Cottage where recalled striker Collins John gave struggling Fulham a second-minute lead with a left-foot shot amid shaky United defending.

Alex Ferguson's side hit back hard, however. Van Nistelrooy stroked a 17th-minute penalty into the corner of the net after South Korean midfielder Park ji-Sung was fouled in the area.

A minute later England striker Wayne Rooney rounded off a fluid attack with a clinical finish to give United the lead.

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