LONDON, England (AP) — Manchester United ousted Chelsea from the top of the Premier League yesterday by beating Arsenal, 2-1, coupled with the former leaders being held to a 1-1 draw at Swansea.

Robin van Persie was United’s inspiration against his former club, punishing poor defending in the third minute with a league-high eighth goal of the campaign before Patrice Evra’s header sealed a deserved victory at Old Trafford.

Title-holders Manchester City could have drawn level at the summit with United, but instead, were left two points adrift of their local rivals following a goalless draw away to West Ham in the day’s late kick-off.

Chelsea’s 10 1/2-week stay at the summit was ended in the driving rain at Liberty Stadium when Spanish winger Pablo Hernandez grabbed an 88th-minute equaliser for Swansea, cancelling out Victor Moses’ opener.

Everton conceded in the last minute in a 2-2 draw at Fulham but climbed a place to fourth above Tottenham, who were jeered off after surprisingly losing 1-0 at home to Wigan.

Norwich and Aston Villa moved clear of the bottom three by grinding out 1-0 victories, against Stoke and Sunderland, respectively.

Van Persie has settled seamlessly into the United team since his £24 million (US$38 million) move from Arsenal in August, and he showed his old employers just what they are missing this season.

The prolific Dutchman pounced on a fluffed clearance by Thomas Vermaelen to drive a right-footed shot into the bottom corner from outside the box, although he refused to celebrate the goal, having spent the past eight years at Emirates Stadium.

“I had a fantastic time there. I have respect for the fans, the players, the manager and the whole club,” Van Persie said. “It’s the first time I’ve ever played against a former club, so it’s a special day.”

Wayne Rooney missed a penalty in first-half injury time after Santi Cazorla was adjudged to have handled the ball, but the England striker made amends by crossing for Evra to nod home the clinching second goal in the 67th.

Jack Wilshere, playing his second game back after 17 months out injured, was sent off for Arsenal two minutes later for picking up a second booking. But the visitors managed a late consolation through Cazorla in stoppage time.

Arsenal stayed sixth on 15 points — the team’s worst start to a Premier league season since Arsene Wenger joined in 1996.

Chelsea haven’t been headed in the league since Aug 22, but Hernandez’s low strike means the team has won just one of its last four matches in all competitions.

After two straight draining matches against United — a 3-2 loss in the league and a 5-4 win in the League Cup — Chelsea lacked spark, especially with Juan Mata out injured and captain John Terry serving the final match of his four-game suspension for racially abusing an opponent.