Forlan to the rescue for United - report

Manchester United closed the gap on Arsenal at the top of the Premiership to two points after Diego Forlan's injury-time strike gave them a dramatic 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford.

The visitors had the best of the early play and went in front with a delightful goal in the 35th minute.

Manu Petit threaded a ball behind the United defence and Eidur Gudjohnsen flicked the ball over Fabien Barthez with the deftest of touches.

But Chelsea's lead lasted just nine minutes as United hit back with their first effort on goal.

Carlo Cudicini's poor clearance only found David Beckham on the right and his wicked, curling cross was headed home in the six-yard box by Paul Scholes.

United had the better chances in the second half with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hitting a first-time shot against the post and Cudicini somehow tipping a Ruud van Nistelrooy header around the post.

That save looked to have earned Chelsea a point but in injury-time, Forlan latched onto a floated pass from Juan Sebastian Veron and volleyed a superb winner high into the net.