Football's most recognisable manager Alex Ferguson celebrated 25 years at Manchester United as his team beat Sunderland 1-0 at Old Trafford although the occasion overshadowed United's less than glittering performance.
Former United defender Wes Brown, on his first return to Old Trafford since leaving in the summer, put the ball into his own net just before halftime and the three points lifted United back into second place in the Premier League behind
Manchester City.
Chelsea won 1-nil at Blackburn Rovers with a Frank Lampard header, and Newcastle United had a 2-1 home win over Everton.
Arsenal beat West Bromwich Albion 3-nil for their fifth straight league win, Aston Villa beat Norwich City 3-2, and Liverpool had a late goal disallowed for offside and were held to a nil-all draw by Swansea City at Anfield.
