Premiership leaders Manchester United had it all to do in the second half at Old Trafford after a Christain Karembeu lob over fellow French international Fabien Barthez gave Middlesborough a 1-0 lead before the break. But two goals in three second half minutes secured victory for Sir Alex Ferguson's side. Nicky Butt slotted home the equaliser on 62 minutes, finishing off a low cross from Roy Keane, and then Teddy Sheringham slammed in the winner after 65 minutes. The victory means the Reds have opened up a two point lead at the top of the table over rivals Arsenal, who were held to a goalless draw by bottom placed Derby County at Highbury.
Meanwhile two Irishman got on the Premiership scoresheet today, Niall Quinn scored Sunderland's first in their 2-2 draw with Southampton at the Stadium of Light, while Matt Holland set up Ipswich's 2-0 victory over Charlton when he bagged their opening goal ten minutes from time, Marcus Stewart killing off the Londoners with Town's second four minutes later.
Leicester manager Peter Taylor will take up his duties with England tomorrow with the knowledge that he is leaving behind one or two domestic concerns at Filbert Street, mainly lack of firepower. Gunnlaugsson the Icelandic international opened the scoring after 62 minutes.
Newcastle conceded a free-kick 25 metres out. Neil Lennon shaped to take the kick but Gunnlaugsson struck a superb shot beyond Shay Given high into the corner. It was just the boost Leicester needed in their bid to consolidate third spot in the table. But Newcastle drew level with 15 minutes to go. Didier Domi released Kieron Dyer on the edge of the area and he in turn slipped the ball into the path of Speed, whose shot went in off the post.
Premiership results:
Arsenal 0-0 Derby County
Aston Villa 2-0 Tottenham
Bradford City 0-1 Everton
Ipswich 2-0 Charlton
Leicester City 1-1 Newcastle Utd
Man Utd 2-1 Middlesborough
Sunderland 2-2 Southampton
West Ham 4-1 Man City
Filed by Seán Folan
