Soccer: Keane's 50th goal keeps United in the hunt

LONDON - Roy Keane reached a personal milestone at Old Trafford today as Manchester United cut Chelsea's Premier League lead to eight points with a 2-0 defeat of Birmingham City.

Cristiano Ronaldo set up United's inspirational skipper for his 50th goal for the club early in the second half and Wayne Rooney's late lob sealed an eighth win in nine league games.

Champions Arsenal remain third, 10 points off the pace, after they responded to their demoralising 4-2 defeat by United on Tuesday with an impressive 3-1 victory at Aston Villa, scoring three times in the first half hour.

Chelsea can restore their 11-point advantage at home to Manchester City on Sunday.

United struggled to break down a stubborn Birmingham side and were fortunate not to fall behind before the interval when on-loan Uruguayan striker Walter Pandiani smashed a volley against the underside of the United crossbar.

Ronaldo's perfect lay-off handed Keane the chance to put Alex Ferguson's side in front after 55 minutes and the Irishman drilled in his first goal since November 2003.

Rooney then took his United goal tally to 12 since joining from Everton this season to complete a great week for the club.

Arsenal reminded their critics of why they romped to last season's title without losing a game as they ripped Villa to shreds in a one-sided first half.

Clinical finishing from Swedish midfielder Fredrik Ljungberg, France's Thierry Henry -- his 17th league goal of the season -- and fullback Ashley Cole killed the game inside the first 30 minutes.

Colombian striker Juan Pablo Angel gave the home side some respectability with a second-half reply, although Arsenal could have scored more.

Liverpool kept up the pressure on fourth-placed neighbours Everton as Spanish striker Fernando Morientes scored his second goal of the week in a 3-1 victory over Fulham.

The Anfield club, chasing the fourth Champions League spot, are four points behind Everton who are in action on Sunday against Southampton.

Middlesbrough are also handily placed for a shot at Europe after a 1-0 home win against Blackburn Rovers, a game they ended with 10 men after Ray Parlour was sent off.

Egyptian striker Mido scored twice on his debut to help Tottenham Hotspur come from behind and beat Portsmouth 3-1. Robbie Keane was also on the scoresheet as Spurs ended a run of three consecutive defeats.

Bottom club West Bromwich Albion twice led in the day's big relegation battle against Norwich City at Carrow Road before goals from Craig Fleming, Gary Doherty and a late effort by Damien Francis sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory for the home side.

"I thought we outplayed Norwich, played some terrific football and created a lot of chances -- but didn't take them," said West Brom boss Bryan Robson.

"It's not over though, there are still a lot of points to play for."

West Brom have 17 points and Southampton have 18. Norwich move to 20, two points behind Crystal Palace who were beaten 1-0 at home by in-form Bolton Wanderers, their seventh straight win.

Newcastle United's season of discontent continued with mediocre 1-1 draw at home to Charlton Athletic. They are now 12th on 31 points.

- REUTERS