Robinson fumble gifts United lead
Manchester United scored their 999th Premier League goal in taking a 1-0 lead at home to Tottenham but it came courtesy of a mistake from England goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
The Red Devils, who were looking to overtake second-placed Spurs in the top match of the day, capitalised when Robinson fumbled Ruud van Nistelrooy’s header from Paul Scholes’ free-kick and Mikael Silvestre dived in to put United ahead.
Wigan’s good run in the Premiership continued as they led Aston Villa 1-0 thanks to an Aaron Hughes own goal.
After the home side’s Liam Ridgewell put an early chance wide he was then fortunate not to give away a penalty when Henri Camara’s cross bounced up onto his hand after he miskicked.
However, the deadlock was broken when a Wigan attack down the right saw Camara drive across the penalty area and Hughes turn the ball into his own net in the 32nd minute.
Fulham surprised Liverpool at Craven Cottage by taking an unlikely lead through Collins John.
The visitors had dominated possession without creating much and they were punished in the 30th minute when a lapse in defence saw Claus Jensen lift the ball over the backline and John, who appeared to be in an offside position, chested down and fired past Jose Reina.
In only the third minute Ahmad Elrich blazed over from seven yards with the goal at his mercy.
Arsenal captain and record goalscorer Thierry Henry returned to league action for the Gunners but even he could not inspire his side in a goalless first half against Manchester City.
He did create the best chanceatch in the 15th minute, however, when his cut-back from the right was ballooned over by Robert Pires from 10 yards.
Birmingham’s troubles at the foot of the table deepened with a 2-0 defeat at Blackburn.
Paul Dickov opened the scoring with a 48th-minute penalty before substitute Craig Bellamy sealed victory eight minutes from time.
