Manchester United FC closed to within two points of Premier League leaders Chelsea FC with a hard-earned victory at Hull City AFC while Arsenal FC also won to increase the pressure at the top, Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fàbregas proving the crucial figures.
Fàbregas in form
With Chelsea held at Birmingham City FC yesterday, Arsenal and United had the chance to cut the gap on the leaders and the former took full advantage in the early game, the introduction of Fàbregas inspiring a comfortable 3-0 win against fourth-placed Aston Villa FC. With a hamstring injury restricting their captain to a place on the bench the Gunners struggled to fashion chances until Fàbregas came on in the 57th minute, breaking the deadlock with a fine free-kick eight minutes later. The Spanish international rounded off a swift counterattack to seal the points nine minutes from time, although he limped off shortly afterwards, with Abou Diaby crowning a fine win with a third goal a minute into stoppage time.
Mixed afternoon
United also initially struggled at Hull before Rooney put them in front from Darren Fletcher's cross in added time at the end of the first period. The forward's misplaced pass then led to Rafael fouling Jozy Altidore to concede the penalty from which Craig Fagan levelled a minute before the hour, although Rooney redeemed himself in the 73rd minute, Andy Dawson inadvertently turning his cross into his own net to restore United's advantage. Rooney also set up Dimitar Berbatov's clinching third goal with eight minutes remaining to take United on to 40 points, two behind Chelsea and the same margin ahead of Arsenal having played a game more than the north London club.
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