United comeback ends Arsenal challenge

Manchester United FC came from a goal behind to overcome Arsenal FC 2-1 and open up a six-point gap at the top of the Premier League while Liverpool tightened their grip on fourth spot.

Rivals wait
With nearest challengers Chelsea FC in action against Wigan Athletic FC on Monday, Sir Alex Ferguson's side had the chance to strengthen their position but that prospect seemed unlikely when Emmanuel Adebayor gave the London club the lead after 48 minutes. However, Cristiano Ronaldo came to United's rescue with a penalty six minutes later and Owen Hargreaves completed the turnaround.

Adebayor opener
Arsenal, who realistically had to win the game to remain in the title race after starting the day six points behind the leaders, had chances aplenty in the first half but Emmanuel Adebayor's touch in front of goal deserted him on a number of occasions. But three minutes after the restart, the Gunners did take the lead when Robin van Persie surged to the byline and chipped back a cross that Adebayor converted from close range.

Prolific Ronaldo
However, Arsenal contributed to their own downfall when William Gallas blocked a pass with his left arm and Ronaldo coolly dispatched the resulting penalty for his 28th league goal of the season to haul the champions level. United's comeback was complete when Owen Hargreaves curled in a sublime free-kick to leave them in pole position with four games remaining.

Gerrard milestone
Liverpool FC remain fourth after a 3-1 win against Blackburn Rovers FC earlier on Sunday. In his 300th game for the club, Steven Gerrard opened the scoring with a fine run and shot on 60 minutes, before Fernando Torres scored for the seventh league game in succession with a header from a Gerrard cross. Substitute Andriy Voronin grabbed a third late on with Roque Santa Cruz registering in added time for Blackburn.