LONDON: Manchester United regained top spot in the Premier League on Tuesday but there were no celebrations from Alex Ferguson after his team gave up another late goal in a 1-1 draw at Birmingham City.
Earlier Mario Balotelli hit a hat-trick, including two penalties, to help Manchester City beat Aston Villa 4-0 and briefly occupy top spot.
United had needed only a point to leapfrog their neighbours but looked on course for all three after Dimitar Berbatov burst into life in the 58th minute to open the home defence with a neat backheel then finish the move with a low drilled shot.
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However, Birmingham, beaten at home only once this season, fought back strongly and Lee Bowyer scrambled the equaliser in the 89th minute to leave United with seven draws and one win from their eight away games.
The draw took them to 38 points from 18 games, ahead on goal difference of Manchester City, who have played 20. Arsenal, in action at Wigan Athletic on Wednesday, have 35 from 18 with Tottenham Hotspur fourth on 33 after beating Newcastle United 2-0.
Champions Chelsea, who have taken just six points from the last 24 having lost to Arsenal on Monday, slip to fifth on 31. They are also in action on Wednesday against Wigan Athletic.
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