Ryan Giggs’ penalty double sent Manchester United roaring back to the top of the table for 24 hours at least with a 3-1 victory over Tottenham.
United had gone ahead in the 59th minute at Old Trafford when Giggs kept a cool head to stroke home past Heurelho Gomes from the penalty spot.
But the three-time defending champions were ahead for just 11 minutes when Ledley King rose to powerfully head home the equaliser.
Both sides went in search of the winner, but it was Nani who made the decisive breakthrough nine minutes from time with a glorious chipped second.
And when Giggs stepped up to rifle in another spot-kick – into the opposite corner he put the first – Old Trafford went delirious as the three-time defending champions moved two points ahead of Chelsea ahead of the Blues’ Sunday showdown with Stoke.