on 2 march 2003, arsenal opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the table, winning 2–0 against charlton athletic. the result was enough for irish bookmaker paddy power to pay out on punters backing arsenal to retain their lead, despite manchester united having a game in hand. the gap was cut to two points after arsenal suffered their first defeat in 2003, against blackburn rovers. by the time arsenal played everton on 23 march 2003, they were displaced at the top of the table by manchester united. a goal by vieira moved the team two points clear once more.