Chelsea loss opens door for United

The dual for the Premier League title took another twist on Saturday when leaders Chelsea FC lost 2-1 at Tottenham Hotspur FC, hours after Manchester United FC closed to within a point by recording a derby victory of their own.

Paul Scholes headed the only goal deep into added time from Patrice Evra's cross as United won at Manchester City FC to maintain hopes of a fourth consecutive English championship. Having gone four points clear with a midweek victory in their game in hand, Chelsea were unable to respond against a Tottenham team who are now two points clear of City in England's final UEFA Champions League qualifying spot.

Spurs, victors against Arsenal FC on Wednesday, took the lead through Jermain Defoe's 15th-minute penalty after John Terry was penalised for handball. Gareth Bale (44) doubled the lead when he cut inside Paulo Ferreira on to his unfavoured right foot and powered a low shot inside Petr Čech's near post. Terry was dismissed midway through the second half for fouling Bale, his second bookable offence, while Frank Lampard struck a consolation in added time.

Eighth-placed Everton remain in contention to qualify for European competition next season as well. The Merseysiders won 3-2 at Blackburn Rovers FC thanks to Tim Cahill's 90th-minute effort in an encounter in which they twice surrendered the lead. Bolton Wanderers FC, meanwhile, came from behind to defeat Stoke City FC 2-1, Matthew Taylor scoring both the away team's goals late on.

Elsewhere, Fulham FC prepared for Thursday's UEFA Europa League semi-final opener against Hamburger SV by drawing 0-0 with Wolverhamption Wanderers FC. At the bottom, Burnley FC are four points from safety with three games to play after a 2-1 loss at Sunderland AFC, while Hull City AFC, the club one place and a point above them, drew 0-0 with Birmingham City FC.