Robin Van Persie's early effort and a second-half header from Patrice Evra saw Manchester United beat Arsenal 2-1 at Old Trafford. They thus go a point clear of Chelsea with 24 from 10 games.
United, who thrashed Arsenal 8-2 in the corresponding fixture last season, could even afford a missed penalty by Wayne Rooney on the stroke of halftime.
Santi Cazorla's well-taken consolation goal in stoppage time flattered the visitors who had midfielder Jack Wilshere sent off for a second booking after the break.
All the more galling for Arsenal was the sight of Van Persie scoring against them after eight years of banging in goals for the north London club who are losing touch in the title race. The Dutchman, who joined United from Arsenal in August having scored 37 league goals last season, needed less than three minutes to score after a mistake by Thomas Vermaelen.
"A special day, in the end it was quite a game," Van Persie, who did not celebrate his eighth league goal since joining United, told the media.
"It speaks for itself (why I did not celebrate). I played eight years there and had a fantastic time. I wanted to respect the fans, the manager and the whole club."
Arsenal struggled to make any real impact and only Wilshere, making his second start since returning from a long injury lay-off, showed any bite in the opening period - earning a yellow card for a foul on fellow midfielder Tom Cleverly.
Antonio Valencia then wasted a great chance to punish Arsenal's defence immediately after the break. But Evra finally gave United breathing space when he headed in from close range after 67 minutes, two minutes before Wilshere was shown a second yellow card for a rash foul on the Frenchman.
"It was a strange game, and the chances we missed," said Alex Fergusson after the match. "We should have put the game to bed. If you see the scoreline you'd think it was a close game, but it wasn't.
"It was an unusual Manchester United v Arsenal game. There were a lot of bookings but it never really got anywhere near the Manchester United v Arsenal games of the past."
United, who thrashed Arsenal 8-2 in the corresponding fixture last season, could even afford a missed penalty by Wayne Rooney on the stroke of halftime.
Santi Cazorla's well-taken consolation goal in stoppage time flattered the visitors who had midfielder Jack Wilshere sent off for a second booking after the break.
All the more galling for Arsenal was the sight of Van Persie scoring against them after eight years of banging in goals for the north London club who are losing touch in the title race. The Dutchman, who joined United from Arsenal in August having scored 37 league goals last season, needed less than three minutes to score after a mistake by Thomas Vermaelen.
"A special day, in the end it was quite a game," Van Persie, who did not celebrate his eighth league goal since joining United, told the media.
"It speaks for itself (why I did not celebrate). I played eight years there and had a fantastic time. I wanted to respect the fans, the manager and the whole club."
Arsenal struggled to make any real impact and only Wilshere, making his second start since returning from a long injury lay-off, showed any bite in the opening period - earning a yellow card for a foul on fellow midfielder Tom Cleverly.
Antonio Valencia then wasted a great chance to punish Arsenal's defence immediately after the break. But Evra finally gave United breathing space when he headed in from close range after 67 minutes, two minutes before Wilshere was shown a second yellow card for a rash foul on the Frenchman.
"It was a strange game, and the chances we missed," said Alex Fergusson after the match. "We should have put the game to bed. If you see the scoreline you'd think it was a close game, but it wasn't.
"It was an unusual Manchester United v Arsenal game. There were a lot of bookings but it never really got anywhere near the Manchester United v Arsenal games of the past."
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