17 Jan 2011

Man U go back on top with a draw at Spurs

7:14 am on 17 January 2011

Manchester United survived the 73rd-minute sending off of fullback Rafael Da Silva to draw nil-all at Tottenham Hotspur and edge back to the top of the English Premier football League on goal difference.

The Brazilian defender was shown a second yellow to set up a nervous finale to an open attacking match.

Spurs, though, could not find the goal that would have given them their first win over United in 10 years and the point kept them fifth, on 37 points.

United's eighth draw in 10 away matches took them top on 45 points from 21 games, ahead on goal difference of Manchester City, who have played two games more.

Arsenal are third on 43, with Chelsea fourth on 38.

The day's three Premier League derbies all finished in draws. Liverpool were held 2-2 at Anfield by Everton, Sunderland scored late to snatch a 1-all home draw with Newcastle United and Birmingham City against Aston Villa also ended 1-1.