United beat Spurs to keep pace with City

Manchester United FC moved back to within two points of Premier League leaders Manchester City FC courtesy of a 3-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur FC.

City's 2-0 win against Bolton Wanderers FC put them five points clear at the summit on Saturday, but their rivals continue to cling to their coat-tails after an impressive triumph in north London. Wayne Rooney's header put Sir Alex Ferguson's side in front just ahead of the interval, with Ashley Young adding two further efforts in the second half before Jermain Defoe's late consolation. Spurs are now 11 points behind United and only four in front of fourth-placed Arsenal FC.

Elsewhere, Shola Ameobi snatched a late point for Newcastle United FC in a 1-1 draw with north-east derby rivals Sunderland AFC. Nicklas Bendtner put the visitors ahead from the spot after 24 minutes, yet their efforts were hindered by Stéphane Sessegnon’s dismissal close to the hour. Demba Ba had a penalty saved by Simon Mignolet as Newcastle aimed to respond, but the sixth-placed side eventually levelled through Ameobi in added time, after which Lee Cattermole also saw red for Sunderland.

Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC dropped into the relegation zone following a 5-0 reverse at Fulham FC. Pavel Pogrebnyak hit a hat-trick and Clint Dempsey struck twice for the west London side.