Robin Van Persie scored a dramatic stoppage time equaliser to earn Manchester United a deserved 1-1 draw at home to Premier League leaders Chelsea yesterday.

Didier Drogba, 36, playing from the start because Diego Costa was unfit, headed the visitors in front in the 53rd minute from a corner conceded when David De Gea was forced into a fine save from Hazard.

Chelsea seemed likely to hold out but just before the final whistle Branislav Ivanovic was sent off for a second yellow card and from the free-kick Thibaut Courtois saved from Marouane Fellaini but could not keep out Van Persie’s fierce follow-up.

The draw extended Chelsea’s lead to four points over second-placed Southampton and six over champions Manchester City but they would have been expected to see the game out after a strong second half performance.

It was only the second time this season Jose Mourinho’s side have failed to take all three points, both games being in Manchester, where they also drew 1-1 with City.

Seven wins and two draws from nine games nevertheless leaves them in an enviable position.

United, meanwhile, having briefly reached fourth place, find themselves back in eighth after a second successive draw.

The consolation for them is having equalised right at the end again, just as they did in a 2-2 draw at West Bromwich Albion last Monday.

“We can be happy with a point,” Van Persie told Sky Sports. “It’s getting better every single day. It’s still early doors and we can catch Chelsea, yes.”

A year ago Mourinho had been criticised for Chelsea’s negative approach at Old Trafford when he played without a recognised striker and achieved a goalless draw.

Without Diego Costa and Loic Remy, there might have been a temptation to adopt the same tactics but starting with Drogba just in front of Willian, Oscar and Eden Hazard reflected the London side’s confidence after their impressive start to the season.

“I’m very happy,” Mourinho said. “My team played a fantastic game. It was not the result we came for, not so good, but acceptable.”

He was reluctant to be drawn on Ivanovic’s two yellow cards for fouls on Angel Di Maria but was clearly not happy about the dismissal.

Van Gaal, however, said: “I’ve seen it on television and he touched him two times.”

Earlier, Sammy Ameobi scored within eight seconds of coming on as a half-time substitute for Newcastle in a 2-1 win at Tottenham.

Emmanuel Adebayor gave Tottenham the lead after 18 minutes with a header from Ryan Mason's cross as the home side controlled the first half of the game.

Spurs created several chances but were unable to add to their lead.

They were pegged back right at the start of the second period when Ameobi equalised with his first touch after replacing Gabriel Obertan at the interval.

Ayoze Perez, a 21-year-old from Tenerife, then scored on his full debut for Newcastle, glancing a header into the top corner from a precise cross by Remy Cabella.

Eto’o double

Samuel Eto’o scored twice as Everton won 3-1 at struggling Burnley, who are still without a win.

Burnley went behind after only three minutes, Eto’o heading in a cross from Leighton Baines.

Everton's Romelu Lukaku was guilty of a loose pass just over quarter of an hour later that allowed Lukas Jutkiewicz to send striker Danny Ings through to score his first Premier League goal.

Lukaku soon made amends, however, restoring the visitors' lead in the 28th minute.

Five minutes from the end Eto’o scored his second, curling a fine shot into the top corner of the net.

Summaries

Man. United 1
Van Persie 90+4;
Chelsea 1
Drogba 53;

HT: 0-0; Att.: 75,327.
Red card: Ivanovic (C) 90+3.

Burnley 1
Ings 20;
Everton 3
Eto’o 4, 86; Lukaku 29;

HT: 1-2; Att.: 19,927.

Tottenham 1
Adebayor 18;
Newcastle 2
Ameobi 46; Gutierrez 58;

HT: 1-0; Att.: 35,650.