Nani scores winner after Whitehead equalises Hernandez strike

Posted Wednesday, January 05, 2011 by skysports.com

Javier Hernandez and Nani were on target as Manchester United survived a Stoke fightback to go three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The Red Devils dominated the opening period and Dimitar Berbatov went close before Hernandez slotted home from close range on 27 minutes from Nani's cross.

Ryan Giggs put a free-kick just over as United failed to extend the lead before half-time and were then made to pay as Dean Whiteheadpulled the Potters level five minutes after the re-start when heading home Tuncay Sanli's cross.

But Nani won it with a sublime finish from the edge of the box on 62 minutes after playing a one-two with Hernandez.

The deserved win made it 20 games unbeaten in the league this season for United, who opened up a lead of three points over Manchester City and five on Arsenal ahead of their meeting at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Hernandez scored a jaw-dropping back header against the Potters at the Britannia in October and his effort at Old Trafford was no less audacious.

Nipping in front of former United defender Ryan Shawcross at the near post, Hernandez reacted quickly as Nani drilled over a low cross.

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