Report: City 2 United 3

A corner came out via van Persie to the full-back on the edge of the box and, totally unmarked, he drilled a right-foot drive into the net through Jones' legs and into the net for the equaliser. De Gea had to be alert to save from Silva after Evra's misjudgement inside the box and then keep out a Tevez attempt as City searched in vain for a winner. Instead, van Persie came up trumps and showed why he is one of the best players in the division. A free-kick by the Dutchman deflected off Nasri and past Hart's despairing dive to spark chaotic scenes behind the goal with Ferdinand bloodied during an incident that is bound to spark plenty of response in the media.

That does not matter in terms of the overall picture as United did what they do best - win in the most dramatic of circumstances and stretch that advantage at the summit to six points. This performance alone illustrates how determined United are to wrest the title back across Manchester come May.