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Saturday, 17 January 2009

On The Top Of The Pile

Dimitar Berbatov's late winner sent champions Manchester United to the top of the Premier League table for the first time this season.

Berbatov headed home from close range after a fine cross from Carlos Tevez on the right in the 90th minute just as the game was heading towards a draw.

For the preceding 89 minutes United had been thwarted by Jussi Jaaskelainen. The Bolton keeper saved superbly from two Cristiano Ronaldo free-kicks and also a header from the United winger.

United's win saw them equal Chelsea's record, set in 2004-05, of 10 consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League, as they bid for a third consecutive title. Long-time leaders Liverpool will now have to beat Everton in Monday's Merseyside derby to return to the top, though Sir Alex Ferguson's side will then have a game in hand.

United were missing the injured Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra but were boosted by Tevez and Jonny Evans both passing late fitness tests. (Source: BBC Sport)