LONDON: Manchester United’s progress towards a record-extending 20th league title was maintained as they collected a further point in a 2-2 draw away to West Ham at Upton Park.

But United had to come from behind twice and Robin Van Persie’s second leveller should have been ruled out since he was standing offside when Shinji Kagawa’s initial shot ricocheted out off the posts.

Ricardo Vaz Te had given the Hammers a 16th-minute lead before Antonio Valencia scored a close-range equaliser on the half-hour. Mohamed Diame restored the hosts’ lead 10 minutes after the interval with with Van Perse struck back with 13 minutes to go.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was furious at the award of the goal while United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson was equally angry at the manner in which Andy Carroll crashed into keeper David De Gea shortly before half-time.

Outgoing champions Manchester City narrowed the gap at the top to 13 points with a 1-0 win at home to Wigan. Carlos Tevez scored the winner in the 83rd minute in a Cup Final rehearsal which push the visitors deeper into relegation trouble.

Chelsea improved their top-four hopes with a 3-0 win at west London rivals Fulham, John Terry scoring twice. David Luiz opened the scoring with a spectacular long-range strike before Terry scored either side of half-time. Chelsea moved up to third, a point above Arsenal.

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