LONDON: Manchester United were denied the chance to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City as Demba Ba’s controversial penalty gave 10-man Newcastle a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
When Javier Hernandez opened the scoring early in the second half at Old Trafford, United were on course to move within two points of City ahead of their rivals’ trip to Liverpool on Sunday.But the reigning champions were left four points adrift of City as Ba equalised 15 minutes later following a dubious decision by referee Mike Jones.
United had taken the lead in the 49th minute through Mexican striker Hernandez, who deflected in Steven Taylor’s attempted clearance from Wayne Rooney’s shot.
Yet Newcastle were level in the most controversial manner in the 64th minute.
Rio Ferdinand appeared to win the ball when he tackled Hatem Ben Arfa in the penalty area and Jones initially gave a corner.
However, Jones’ assistant signalled for a penalty and Senegal striker Ba stepped up to score despite United’s protests.
Newcastle survived the final 12 minutes down to 10 men after winger Jonas Gutierrez was sent off for a second booking after fouling Nani.
At Stamford Bridge, fifth placed Chelsea finally got back on track with a comfortable 3-0 win against toothless Wolves.
After three defeats in their last four league matches and a painful Champions League loss at Bayer Leverkusen in midweek, under-fire boss Andre Villas-Boas couldn’t afford another slip at home to one of the division’s strugglers.
They got the perfect start when captain John Terry scored with a powerful header from Juan Mata’s corner.Mata was the provider again when Daniel Sturridge added Chelsea’s second goal with a cool finish from the midfielder’s cross in the 29th minute.
Spain star Mata completed his virtuoso display and put the result beyond doubt with the third goal on the stroke of half-time.
Third placed Tottenham moved within six points of leaders City after Jermain Defoe’s late goal clinched a 3-1 win at West Bromwich Albion.
Harry Redknapp’s side, without key midfielders Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart, fell behind when Youssouf Mulumbu was given space to score with a free header from Steven Reid’s cross in the 10th minute.But Spurs equalised in the 24th minute through Emmanuel Adebayor. Nicky Shorey gave away a penalty with a foul on Aaron Lennon and although Adebayor’s spot-kick was saved by Ben Foster, the Togo striker slotted in the rebound.
Striker Defoe won it for the visitors in the 81st minute and Adebayor added a late third. (Agencies)