Manchester rivals share top spot as Stoke hold United
Saturday, September 24, 2011
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Manchester United FC were held to a 1-1 draw at Stoke City FC, to leave them level at the top of the English table with neighbours Manchester City FC, who won 2-0 against Everton FC.
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Manchester City FC joined Manchester United FC at the top of the Premier League table, beating Everton FC in the day's early game, with Sir Alex Ferguson's men held to a 1-1 draw at Stoke City FC later on.
Roberto Mancini's side put the pressure on as strikes by Mario Balotelli (68) and James Milner (89) secured a 2-0 home win and United's perfect start to the season ended at Stoke as Peter Crouch (52) cancelled out Nani's opening goal (27). United, without the hamstrung Wayne Rooney, lost Javier Hernández to injury (11) and were grateful to David De Gea for making a string of good saves.
United remain top on goal difference, with Chelsea FC three points back, after overcoming Swansea City FC 4-1, Fernando Torres (29), Ramires (36, 76) and Didier Drogba (90+4) on target in a match in which Torres was dismissed (39).
Newcastle United FC lie fourth after Demba Ba scored a hat-trick to down Blackburn Rovers FC 3-1, while Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC remain in hot pursuit following respective 2-1 successes against Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Wigan Athletic FC.
Elsewhere, Robin van Persie (46, 71) reached a century of goals in all competitions for Arsenal FC, who triumphed 3-1 against ten-man Bolton Wanderers FC. West Bromwich Albion FC and Fulham FC finished 0-0.