Timely Scholes sends United top

Paul Scholes' 100th Premier League goal earned Manchester United FC a 1-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers FC which lifted the champions to the summit, while Arsenal FC maintained their challenge by beating Burnley FC 3-1.

Scholes struck 18 minutes from time with an angled finish after Nani's cross into the penalty area came off Christophe Berra. United, missing Wayne Rooney due to a minor knee injury, are two points clear of Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC. The latter opened the scoring against relegation-threatened Burnley through Cesc Fàbregas (34) in north London, though their joy was somewhat tempered when the Spaniard limped off with a hamstring injury soon after.

Burnley equalised when David Nugent ran in between two defenders and lifted the ball over Manuel Almunia (50), only for Theo Walcott to restore Arsenal's lead ten minutes later with a curling effort. Substitute Andrei Arshavin confirmed victory in added time, ensuring the Gunners approach the conclusion of their UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie against FC Porto on Tuesday on a winning note.

At the other end of the table, Bolton Wanderers FC moved five points clear of the relegation zone thanks to a 2-1 win at fellow strugglers West Ham United FC – their first away league victory since September. Goals in the opening 16 minutes from Kevin Davies and Jack Wilshere did the damage for the visitors, who had Tamir Cohen (70) sent off.

In the FA Cup, Frédéric Piquionne scored twice in three second-half minutes as the Premier League's bottom club, Portsmouth FC, secured a Wembley semi-final with a 2-0 home win against Birmingham City FC. In the day's other last-eight tie Fulham FC drew 0-0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur FC. Chelsea FC host Stoke City FC and Aston Villa travel to FC Reading FC in Sunday's remaining quarter-finals.