London, England

Responding to the call of manager Sir Alex Ferguson to find the back of the net more often, Wayne Rooney scored two goals to help Manchester United carve out a 4-3 victory over Reading and grab the solo lead in the Barclays Premier League Saturday at Madejski Stadium.

With the win, United is now three points clear of rival and closest pursuer, defending champion Manchester City, and 10 points ahead of Chelsea.

Both teams treated 20,095 fans to a barrage of goals in the first half when they scored seven goals in just 34 minutes.

Hal Robson-Kanu gave Reading an early lead in the eighth minute before United hit back with Anderson tying the count in the 13th minute and Rooney putting his team ahead with a penalty kick in the 16th minute.

Reading then stunned the visitors with two quick-fire goals to regain the lead as Adam Le Fondre and Sean Morrison scored with close-range headers in the 19th and 23rd minute, respectively.

However, Rooney completed a brace with a score in the 30th minute to tie the game before

Robin van Persie's neat finish gave United the lead.

Meanwhile, Manchester City's attempt to keep up with United failed as it settled for a 1-1 draw with Everton at Etihad Stadium.

Marouane Fellaini gave Everton a first-half lead with a header in the 33rd minute but conceded a penalty, allowing Carlos Tevez to tie the count.

The draw kept City's unbeaten start to the season with nine wins and six ties, extending its unbeaten home record to 37 games. For its part, it was also Everton's seventh draw in their last nine games.

West Ham United spoiled Rafael Benitez's debut as Chelsea's interim manager with a 3-1 victory at Upton Park.

Juan Mata gave Chelsea a 1-0 lead with a goal in the 13th minute but Carlton Cole tied the count with a score in the 63rd minute. Substitutes Mohamed Diame and Modibo Maiga then scored in the 88th minute and extra time, respectively, to complete the victory.

In other games, Swansea City beat Arsenal, 2-0; Tottenham Hotspur blanked Fulham, 3-0; Liverpool beat Southampton, 1-0; West Bromwich Albion beat Stoke City, 1-0; and Queens Park Rangers tied Aston Villa, 1-1.

 

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