Race for title

How the Premiership pendulum swung towards Manchester United

2 March
On the same day that Manchester United lose 2-0 to Liverpool in the Worthington Cup final, Arsenal beat Charlton to open up an eight-point lead at the top of the Premiership.

Arsenal P29 Pts63 Man Utd P28 Pts 55

15 March
The gap at the top is cut to two points as United follow up a 2-1 midweek win over Leeds with a 1-0 away win at Aston Villa. Arsenal surprisingly slip up 2-0 at Blackburn.

Arsenal P30, Pts63 Man Utd P30 Pts61

23 March
Ruud Van Nistelrooy scores a hat-trick as United ease to a 3-0 home win against Fulham, but Arsenal respond in kind, defeating Everton 2-1 at Highbury the following day

Arsenal P31 Pts66 Man Utd P31 Pts64

5 April
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer rounds off United's 4-0 thrashing of Liverpool. Later Arsenal draw at Aston Villa, and the title race is wide open.

Arsenal P32 Pts67 Man U P32 Pts67

12 April
United take full advantage of Arsenal's involvement in the FA Cup semi-finals, to post another ominous statement of intent, dismissing Newcastle 6-2 to go to the top of the Premiership.

Man Utd P33 Pts70 Arsenal P32 Pts67

16 April
The two sides meet at Highbury and honours end even in a tense 2-2 draw. Arsenal's Sol Campbell (right) is sent off towards the end for elbowing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Man Utd P34 Pts71 Arsenal P33 Pts68

19 April
Victories for both sides, as United see off Blackburn 3-1 at Old Trafford, while Arsenal safely negotiate a tough-looking visit to Middlesbrough.

Man Utd P35 Pts74 Arsenal P34 Pts71

27 April
A pivotal weekend in the title race as Arsenal throw away a two-goal lead at Bolton and leave with only a point. The following day United return to the top of the table with a 2-0 win at Tottenham.

Man Utd P36 Pts77 Arsenal P35 Pts72

4 May
United beat Charlton 4-1 at home, which means Arsenal must win their last three games to stop the title going to Old Trafford. The Gunners fail at the first hurdle, losing to Leeds.

Man Utd P37 Pts80 Arsenal P36 Pts72