Manchester Utd 2 Arsenal 0
Juan Sebastian Veron and Paul Scholes gave Manchester United a hugely important home win over Arsenal to move within three points of the Premiership pacesetters.
After beating Liverpool at Anfield last week, this afternoon's victory completed a great week for United, who have resurrected their title challenge despite the absence of most of their first-choice midfielders.
Arsenal had the best of the early chances but Fabien Barthez saved well from Thierry Henry and Robert Pires in the opening 20 minutes.
United went ahead in the 21st minute when Ruud van Nistelrooy, who appeared to handle the ball while controlling, fed Paul Scholes on the right and Veron slid in to convert his cross and score his first league goal of the season.
The Gunners, seeking to extend their run of scoring in 55 consecutive league games, did begin to exert some pressure midway through the second half but Scholes made sure of the points when he drove into the box to shoot home the second in the 73rd minute.
Arsenal remain top, on 35 points with United second on 32.
Liverpool, who visit Charlton Athletic later this afternoon, are third on 31.