London, Oct 29: Manchester United closed the gap on Manchester City at the top of the Premier League to just two points on Saturday after they won 1—0 at Everton but Chelsea lost ground as they were stunned 5—3 at home by Arsenal.
Javier Hernandez's 19th—minute goal was enough to give United victory, lifting them to within two points of City, who play Wolverhampton Wanderers later.
But Robin van Persie scored a brilliant hat—trick as Arsenal came from behind twice to win 5—3 at Chelsea, lifting them to sixth and just three points behind their London rivals.
Six days after their 6—1 hammering at home by City, United produced an efficient and organised display to snatch all three points at Everton's Goodison Park ground.
“It's an important result to come away from home and win,” United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said. “Everton is never an easy game and they put everything they could into the game.
“First half we played some fantastic football and scored a good goal. Hernandez is fantastic in the box. It's a good result and we worked hard for it.” Everton began well with Seamus Coleman forcing a good save by David de Gea while Park Ji Sung went close for United before Hernandez gave the visitors the lead.
Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck combined to feed Patrice Evra and the left—back's cross was touched home by Hernandez after 19 minutes.
De Gea did well to prevent Everton equalizing through Leon Osman and Jack Rodwell but Leighton Baines was desperately unlucky not to score when his free kick cannoned off the crossbar.
United soaked up most of the Everton pressure and they survived a big penalty appeal in the dying moments when Magaye Gueye fell under a challenge by Evra.
At Stamford Bridge, Arsenal came away with a stunning victory inspired by a superb hat—trick from their captain Van Persie.
The home side led twice through Frank Lampard (14) and John Terry (45) but Arsenal equalized twice through Van Persie (36) and Andre Santos (49).
Theo Walcott then slammed in a brilliant solo goal to put Arsenal ahead on 55 minutes only for Juan Mata to pull Chelsea level with a superb strike 10 minutes from time.
But Van Persie struck twice, first in the 85th minute to restore Arsenal's lead and then again two minutes into injury time to make it 27 league goals in 27 league games this calendar year and clinch a dramatic and well—deserved victory.
