Race for title
How the Premiership pendulum swung towards Manchester United
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Your support makes all the difference.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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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