ARSENAL 0 SUNDERLAND 0
Andrei Arshavin made his debut for Arsenal but was substituted in the second half as the Gunners drew 0-0 for the third consecutive league match.
The Russia playmaker, Arsenal's record signing, began brightly and had two early chances but faded as his lack of match fitness caught up with him.
Aston Villa's long unbeaten run was shattered by Chelsea thanks to a 21st goal of the season by Nicolas Anelka.
The French striker struck after 19 minutes of Guus Hiddink's first match in charge following inspired play by Frank Lampard. Ashley Young struck the crossbar with a free kick for disappointing Villa.
United's relentless progress towards the title was given a thorough test by Rovers who breached a defence that had managed a league record of 14 consecutive clean sheets.
Cristiano Ronaldo's dipping free kick on the hour sealed a 10th straight win for United but Rovers were unlucky not to get a late penalty when Morten Gamst Pedersen was pulled back.
An own goal in stoppage time by Ryan Shawcross earned Portsmouth a deserved point after James Beattie's double, the first a controversial penalty and the second suspiciously offside, had seemingly won it for Stoke.
