Ruud van Nistelrooy's second-half double gave champions Manchester United a 2-0 victory over Charlton Athletic in the premier league.

The Dutchman scored in the 62nd and 81st minutes to move United just a point behind leaders Arsenal, who lost their 100 per cent record in a 1-1 home draw with Portsmouth.

Thierry Henry levelled from the penalty spot for the Gunners shortly before halftime after Teddy Sheringham had headed Portsmouth into a 26th-minute lead.

Chelsea moved into third place after prolific Romanian Adrian Mutu scored twice in a 4-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, for whom Freddie Kanoute also bagged two.

Liverpool beat 10-man Blackburn Rovers 3-1, Southampton maintained their unbeaten start with a 2-0 victory over bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton and Newcastle United drew 2-2 at Goodison Park.