Arsenal roared back into the English Premier League title race as Samir Nasri's double clinched a 2-1 win over Manchester United on Saturday.

French winger Nasri struck in each half at the Emirates Stadium to lift the Gunners above United into third place and within three points of leaders Chelsea, who play at Blackburn on Sunday, and second placed Liverpool, who host West Bromwich later Saturday.

Brazilian teenager Rafael Da Silva pulled one back with his first goal for United in the last minute, but the champions' first defeat against Arsenal in four meetings left Sir Alex Ferguson's team five points off the top of the table.

After losing at Liverpool and drawing at Chelsea already this season, United once again failed to beat one of their major title rivals.

Nasri opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when his shot from the edge of the penalty area deflected off Gary Neville and past United keeper Edwin van der Sar.

Despite the absence of first-choice forwards Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie, Arsenal created a host of chances in an enthralling game and Nasri increased their lead in the 48th minute with a fine finish from Cesc Fabregas's pass.

Rafael's superb long-range volley in the 90th minute was too little, too late for United.