Arsenal are back in the title race after a stunning win at leaders Chelsea as Wayne Rooney’s 100th career goal settled the Manchester derby.
Tony Adams enjoyed his first home win as Portsmouth manager, while David Moyes celebrated his 300th game as Everton boss with a narrow victory at Tottenham.
Robin van Persie struck twice in the second half as Arsenal came from behind to win 2-1 at Chelsea, whose stuttering form at Stamford Bridge continues. This win still leaves Arsenal seven points behind their London rivals, but very much back in the race.
Manchester United showed that local rivals City still have a long way to go to become a major force after the champions won 1-0 in the 150th derby. United grabbed the decisive goal three minutes before half-time when Michael Carrick’s shot was pushed out by Joe Hart to provide Rooney with a simple tap-in. Cristiano Ronaldo picked up his second yellow card after inexplicably raising his hands to stop Rooney’s corner. Ronaldo, who had been cautioned moments earlier for a foul on Shaun Wright-Phillips, and claimed to have heard a whistle.
Harry Redknapp suffered his first home defeat as Spurs boss as Steven Pienaar’s goal earned Everton a 1-0 win at White Hart Lane.
Everton’s joy was marred by an early injury to Yakubu, with the Nigerian striker to miss the rest of the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. The only goal arrived six minutes into the second half after Pienaar received a quickly-taken free-kick and his shot took a wicked deflection to fizz beyond a helpless Heurelho Gomes.
Portsmouth provided Adams with his first three points at Fratton Park after a thrilling 3-2 victory over struggling Blackburn.
The main talking point from Saturday’ matches surrounded the increasing pressure facing Sunderland boss Roy Keane following a comprehensive home defeat by Bolton, while Wigan sunk rock-bottom West Brom.
UEFA Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa drew with Fulham, Premier League new boys Stoke and Hull shared the spoils, while the Tees-Tyne derby ended in a drab stalemate.
In Europe, Barcelona, Celtic and Inter Milan continue to lead the way in their respective leagues in a busy weekend of action.
Barcelona brushed aside Sevilla on Saturday to keep the chasing pack at bay in Spain while Celtic capitalised on Rangers’ slip-up at Hearts by seeing off Inverness.
Inter Milan made it five wins on the bounce in Serie A after easing past Napoli. Hoffenheim continue to defy the critics after beating Arminia Bielefeld.
Spain
Real Madrid have slipped further behind the leading pack as they lost 3-1 to Getafe while the top three all won. While Barcelona were cruising to success by 3-0 at Sevilla on Saturday, Bernd Schuster’s side went down to Getafe - their second Liga defeat in three outings. and Valencia won against Recreativo Huelva and Real Betis respectively on Sunday to keep up the pressure on Barca. Recreativo’s fourth consecutive defeat ensures they remain rooted to the foot of the table.
Scotland
Celtic capitalised on Rangers’ surprise 2-1 defeat to in-form Hearts by moving seven points clear at the top of the SPL table after beating Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Parkhead. Shaun Maloney grabbed the only goal of the game as The Bhoys boosted their chances of retaining their SPL title. Earlier on Saturday goals from Marius Zaliukas and Laryea Kingston ensured Gers’ patchy form away from Ibrox continued.
