Manchester City top Premier League as Bolton takes emotional win

London, March 25 (IANS) Bolton Wanderers secured a 2-1 victory Blackburn Rovers in an emotional return to the league after Fabrice Muamba collapsed in their last game at Tottenham while Manchester City overtook Manchester United at the top of the English Premier League table on goal difference with a 1-1 draw at Stoke City.

Bolton, playing their first match since Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest at Tottenham, climbed outside the relegation zone through two headers from defender David Wheater, Xinhua reported.

The former Middlesbrough player headed in the first from a Martin Petrov cross in the 28th minute and then met Ryo Miyaichi's corner seven minutes later. Steven Nzonzi made it 2-1 for Rovers in the 66th minute.

Meanwhile, former England striker Peter Crouch put Stoke ahead with a stunning long-range volley. Yaya Toure's deflected strike earned Manchester City a draw and a precious point to go top of the table.

Manchester United will have the chance to move three points clear at the top when they host Fulham Monday night.

Wigan stunned Liverpool 2-1 and boosted their survival chances while Kenny Dalglish's side have now won only one of their last seven league games.

Shaun Maloney converted a penalty in the 30th minutes following a high challenge by Martin Skrtel on Victor Moses.

The Reds levelled the score as Luis Suarez fired home Steven Gerrard's square pass early in the second half, before the Uruguayan had a second disallowed for handball.

Arsenal remained in the third place after beating Aston Villa 3-0 through goals from Kieran Gibbs, Theo Walcott and Mikel Arteta.

Spurs maintained their five-point lead over Chelsea in the race for the fourth Champions League place with a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge.