London

Robin Van Persie flicked a free-kick into the net at stoppage time as the Manchester United averted a second half collapse to beat rival Manchester City 3-2 in a pulsating Manchester Derby showdown Sunday at Etihad Stadium.

Manchester United (13-0-3, 39 pts) solidified their grip on top of the English Premier league standings and more importantly inflicted a huge dent on Manchester City (9-6-1, 33 points) title defense this season as Van Persie delivered the game-winning goal at waning seconds that snapped City's 37-game unbeaten streak.

Wayne Rooney dazzled in the first 45 minutes of play, scoring goals in the 16th and 29th minute to become the most prolific player in Manchester Derby history with 10 goals.

Trailing 2-0 at the break, Manchester City came out of the tunnel with renewed spirit as Yaya Toure slotted his team's first goal in the 60th minute and Pablo Zabaleta scored the equalizer in the 86th minute.

But all City's effort was put to waste when Rafael was fouled just on the edge of the box, allowing Van Persie to fire the game-winner.

Meanwhile, Liverpool took a hard-earned 3-2 win over West Ham United as James Collins' own goal in 79th minute proved to be the backbreaker for the Hammers.

Everton also took a stunning come-from-behind 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur as Steven Pienaar (90th) and Nikica Jelavic (92th stoppage time) scored lightning quick goals within a span of two minutes.

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