Everton fightback stuns United

LONDON (AP):Manchester United conceded two stoppage-time goals to draw 3-3 at Everton, while Chelsea maintained the perfect start to their title defence by beating West Ham 3-1 in the English Premier League yesterday.

Even with Wayne Rooney rested amid newspaper stories about his private life, United led 3-1 in the 90th minute. But Tim Cahill sparked Everton's comeback with a headed goal and Mikel Arteta had time to grab an equaliser.

Chelsea had no difficulties seeing off West Ham, who are still without a point after four matches. Michael Essien netted Chelsea's first goal after two minutes and headed in their third in the 83rd.

Arsenal are two points behind Chelsea in second after routing Bolton 4-1, while big-spending Manchester City were held to a 1-1 draw by Blackburn to collect only one point from their last two matches.

Tottenham held 1-1

Tottenham were held 1-1 by West Bromwich, as were Sunder-land at Wigan, while Blackpool won their second match since being promoted, prevailing 2-0 over fellow newcomer Newcastle.

Fulham's 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton came at a cost, with Bobby Zamora injuring his leg to be ruled out for four months.

United manager Alex Ferguson took the decision to drop Rooney to protect him from fans' abuse at his former ground.

United fell behind when Arteta shot straight at goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and Leon Osman passed the rebound to Steven Pienaar, who rolled the ball into the net in the 39th minute.

Darren Fletcher levelled four minutes later from a cross by Nani, who whipped another ball into the box in the 47th for an unmarked Nemanja Vidic to head into the net.

United went further ahead when Dimitar Berbatov's first touch from Paul Scholes' pass took him clear of Sylvain Distin before firing past goalkeeper Tim Howard in the 66th.

A string of saves prevented United extending their lead before Cahill and Arteta stunned the visitors in stoppage time.

"From a position of complete comfort, we have thrown it away," Ferguson said. "We wasted our chances to bury Everton."