Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table with an extraordinary 4-3 victory over strugglers Reading in yesterday’s late-kick, all seven goals coming in an enthralling first half.

The Royals struck first with just eight minutes gone, winger Hal Robson-Kanu scoring with a half volley.

That lead didn’t last long as Anderson lashed home an equaliser past Adam Federici. United took the lead on 16 minutes through a Wayne Rooney penalty, after Jonny Evans was brought down by Jay Tabb.

Reading came storming back though. Adam Le Fondre headed the Royals back on level terms, before defender Sean Morrison headed the home side into an unexpected lead, both goals coming from Nicky Shorey set-pieces.

Rooney scored his brace in the 30^th minute, the England international stroking the ball home. The game went full circle in 34^th minute as United regained the lead. Striker Robin Van Persie latched onto Wayne Rooney’s through-ball, broke the Reading offside trap and fired past Federici.

The second half proved a slight anti-climax and the victory moved United three points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Reading remain four points away from safety and look to be in for a tough season.

Champions Manchester City drew 1-1 with Everton at the Etihad Stadium. The visitors dominated for periods of the first half and took the lead in the 33^rd minute. Leighton Baines’ cross was knocked home by in-form Marouane Fellaini.

Fellaini went from hero to villain just before the interval. The big Belgium international was adjudged to have dragged striker Edin Dzeko down in the penalty area and Carlos Tevez scored from the spot kick.

The draw leaves City three points behind arch-rivals United, with the two meeting at the Etihad Stadium next weekend. Everton remain sixth in the Premier League, but have drawn seven of their last nine games.

Other Premier League scores:

West Ham 3-1 Chelsea

Arsenal 0-2 Swansea

Fulham 0-3 Tottenham

Liverpool 1-0 Southampton

QPR 1-1 Aston Villa

West Brom 0-1 Stoke

Who will triumph in next weekend’s Manchester derby?