Roo Ryan pushes Man U to brink

MANCHESTER United has defeated a determined Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 to reduce Manchester City’s lead at the top of the Premier League to five points, while the three teams below them all dropped points.

Liverpool and Chelsea drew 1-1 at Anfield while Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit stalled with a home draw against West Bromwich Albion.

With Manchester City on 34 points from 12 games, neighbours United took closer order on 29 points from 13 games, ahead of Pep Guardiola’s leaders visiting Huddersfield on overnight.

Manchester United’s unbeaten home record stretches back to when City beat Man U in September 2016, but it was not plain sailing against promoted Brighton, which proved spirited opposition in the first league meeting between the sides since 1983.

Ashley Young forced the goal in the 66th minute, his shot deflecting off defender Lewis Dunk to leave Mat Ryan rooted to the spot.

The Socceroos stopper had earlier made a spectacular double save to deny star United recruits Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba.

Liverpool’s recent highscoring run came to an end when it looked as if Mohamed Salah’s 64th minute goal against his old club would earn a crucial win.

However, substitute Willian’s mishit cross five minutes from time eluded goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to become only the second goal Juergen Klopp’s side has conceded at home in seven league games.