Gunners hold United to remain top

William Gallas scored in injury time as Arsenal salvaged a 2-2 draw with Manchester United at home to keep the Gunners top of the English Premier League on goals scored.

Champions United appeared set to complete a smash-and-grab victory despite being dominated for long periods of time in terms of possession when Portuguese wizard Cristiano Ronaldo scored late on.

But Gallas popped up in the box to seal a point and leave the two sides locked on 26 points, five points clear of the chasing pack, though Arsenal still have a game in hand.

FIRST HALF

Arsenal were in command throughout the first half of the game, but Wayne Rooney put United ahead on the stroke of half-time with a shot that took a deflection off Gallas.

The home side were level within two minutes of the restart when Willy Sagna pulled the ball back for Cesc Fabregas to slot the ball into the corner.

Arsenal on Theo Walcott as they searched for a winner, but United looked to have won it when a brilliant ball from substitute Louis Saha found Patrice Evra and his cross was converted by Ronaldo.

Evra gave Arsenal the equalizer when he sliced the ball onto his own crossbar.

SCRAMBLE

But then a scramble in the box saw Gallas free on the back post and his superb finish was ruled over the line by referee Howard Webb.

Later Chelsea were hoping to close up the gap when they played against Wigan, while Liverpool were away to Blackburn Rovers.