England striker Wayne Rooney played a major role in helping to set up the crucial match-winner for Robin van Persie as Manchester United recorded a 1-0 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Man-of-the-match Rooney provided the corner on 27 minutes which fell perfectly for his strike partner, who managed to direct a close-range header over Kieran Gibbs and into the back of the net for the only goal of the game.
The victory helped United close the gap on Arsenal to just five points and Rooney said it was a must-win game for his side as they look to defend their Premier League trophy this season.
Rooney said: “We knew we'd have to win today at all costs. We defended really well and thankfully we got the three points, it was a great effort from everyone.
"With the other results today and yesterday, we knew a victory would put us right back in there and we're in a good position.
"It's a great weekend for us going into the international games and we can all go off and play for our countries and then come back. We've got a big push then until the new year and it's our aim to still be up there."
England defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones and midfielder Michael Carrick also played their part in a memorable victory for the home side.
Elsewhere, England duo Kyle Walker and Andros Townsend were left disappointed as Newcastle came away with a 1-0 win at White Hart Lane.
There was also disappointment for Joleon Lescott and James Milner as Sunderland recorded a 1-0 victory over Manchester City at the Stadium of Light.
