Owen Hargreaves was Manchester United's unlikely goalscoring hero as the Premier League leaders came from behind to see-off title challengers Arsenal 2-1 at Old Trafford here Sunday.

Emmanuel Adebayor had put Arsenal in front in the 48th minute only for Cristiano Ronaldo to equalise minutes later with his 38th goal of a remarkable season for United. And the comeback was completed when Hargreaves settled the match with a superb free-kick 18 minutes from time.

Victory left reigning champions United six points clear at the top of the table although second-placed Chelsea will cut that lead to just three points if they beat Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

But this result effectively ended Arsenal's title challenge as it left them nine points adrift of United with just four games of the league season left. It also means the Gunners' run without a trophy is set to be extended to three years after they lost in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals to English rivals Liverpool earlier in the week.

England midfielder Hargreaves, best known for his defensive skills, made it 100 goals for United in just 50 games this campaign when his curled free-kick from the edge of the box over the wall left goalkeeper Jens Lehmann standing.

Adebayor had headed Arsenal in front three minutes into the second period when he got on the end of Robin van Persie's cross and exploited confusion between United keeper Edwin van der Sar and centre-back Rio Ferdinand. Although there were no complaints from the United players, replays suggested Adebayor may have handled the ball rather than knocked it in with his head, even though he was just a few yards away from goal.

However, minutes later, handball at the other end helped draw United level. Arsenal defender William Gallas clearly handled inside his own area and referee Howard Webb pointed to the spot. Although Ronaldo 'scored', Webb ordered the penalty to be re-taken because of encroachment by other players.

Lehmann, only playing because of a wrist injury to first-choice keeper Manuel Almunia, was then booked for delaying the second kick. But Ronaldo, making light of the pressure of the situation, stuck with his stuttering run-up and struck the ball low and hard past the Germany international's right-hand in the 54th minute.