Paul Scholes' first league goal at Old Trafford in nearly three years vindicated the decision ofu00a0 Alex Ferguson to call the Manchester United midfielder out of retirement as his side beat Bolton 3-0.


Manchester United's Paul Scholes celebrates a goal during
Saturday's EPL match against Bolton at Old Trafford.
PIC/Getty Images

Scholes, 37, started a game for the first time in eight months. Victory allowed United to move level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

Scholes also eased the embarrassment of teammate Wayne Rooney, who missed the perfect opportunity to put his side ahead midway through the first half from the penalty spot.

It took until the final minute of the first half for Scholes, and United, finally to turn their relentless pressure into a goal as he struck the 103rd league goal of his career and his first home league goal since scoring against Fulham in February 2009.

Nani's progress into the area was blocked but the ball broke for Rooney, who picked out Scholes with a far-post cross which the veteran converted from six yards.
Welbeck and Michael Carrick were also on target.

Liverpool, Spurs frustrated
Meanwhile, Liverpool slipped to a seventh home draw of the season as they were held to a goal-less stalemate by Stoke at Anfield. With Luis Suarez suspended and Andy Carroll left on the bench, Liverpool struggled to create any real forward momentum from the start, with Dirk Kuyt playing on his own up front.

Tottenham Hotspur wasted a chance to move level on points at the top of EPL after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers. Tottenham would have joined leaders Man City and second-placed Manchester United on 48 points with a win at White Hart Lane. But Spurs were stunned as Steven Fletcher put Wolves ahead mid-way through the first half and, even though Luka Modric equalised after the break, the hosts were unable to find the crucial second goal.

Chelsea win 1-0
Fernando Torres failed to end his four-month EPL goal drought but the striker could at least claim an assist for Frank Lampard's flukey goal that gave Chelsea a narrow 1-0 victory over Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.

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