Manchester United will head into 2013 with a seven-point cushion atop the Premier League after beating West Bromwich Albion 2-0 on Saturday, although Manchester City kept in touch Saturday with a gutsy 4-3 win at Norwich.
Garteh McAuley's own goal and a league-high 14th strike of the campaign by Robin van Persie earned United a seventh straight home win and leaves City with a mountain to climb to retain its title.
The Dutch striker came on for United as a substitute and sealed the victory in the 90th minute, continuing United penchant for scoring late in games.
Sir Alex Ferguson's men continued their habit of allowing the opposition to score first, although in this case the goal was an own goal that set things in the right direction for Manchester United.
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West Bromwich Albion's Gabriel Tamas (L) and Gareth McAuley challenge Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic (R) during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England December 29, 2012. REUTERS/Phil Noble
Photo: REUTERS
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Manchester United's Shinji Kagawa shoots during their English Premier League soccer match against West Bromwich. REUTERS/Phil Noble
Photo: REUTERS
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West Bromwich Albion's Graham Dorrans (R) and George Thorne challenge Manchester United's Patrice Evra. REUTERS/Phil Noble
Photo: REUTERS
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Manchester United's Ashley Young celebrates an own goal from West Bromwich Albion's Gareth McAuley. REUTERS/Phil Noble
Photo: REUTERS
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Manchester United's manager Alex Ferguson walks to his seat with a friend. REUTERS/Phil Noble
Photo: REUTERS
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Young yells with delight the goal that would see United through. REUTERS/Phil Noble
Photo: REUTERS
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Kagawa (R) challenges West Bromwich Albion's Peter Odemwingie. REUTERS/Phil Noble
Photo: REUTERS
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Referee Jon Moss (R) inspects the pitch with match officials before Manchester United play their English Premier League soccer match against West Bromwich Albion. REUTERS/Phil Noble
Photo: REUTERS
