LONDON: Robin Van Persie scored a dramatic stoppage time equaliser to earn Manchester United a deserved 1-1 draw at home to Premier League leaders Chelsea on Sunday.
Didier Drogba, 36, playing from the start because Diego Costa was unfit, headed the visitors in front in the 53rd minute from a corner conceded when David De Gea was forced into a fine save from Eden Hazard.
Chelsea seemed likely to hold out but just before the final whistle Branislav Ivanovic was sent off for a second yellow card and from the free kick Thibaut Courtois saved from Marouane Fellaini but could not keep out Van Persie’s fierce follow-up. The draw extended Chelsea’s lead to four points over second-placed Southampton and six over champions Manchester City.
Alexis Sanchez scored twice as Arsenal beat Sunderland 2-0 at the Stadium of Light on Saturday in Sunderland to ensure veteran manager Arsene Wenger avoided his worst start to a Premier League season.
Chile forward Sanchez seized on two defensive errors to take his tally to eight goals in 15 appearances for the Gunners since his £30 million ($50.4 million, 37.6 million euros) pre-season transfer from Barcelona.
Victory was just Arsenal’s second Premier League win in their last eight games and third in nine overall this term as they took their points tally to 14, eight behind leaders Chelsea. Such was Arsenal’s dominance, they had no need to call on Theo Walcott. The England international made his return to the squad as an unused substitute after a nine-month absence following a serious knee injury suffered against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup in January. (Reuters)