Two second half penalties from Ryan Giggs plus an effort from Nani saw Manchester United see off Tottenham 3-1 at Old Trafford. A scoreless first half was only enlivened when Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes made smart stops from Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia.
With the visitor's struggling to recapture their recent form it was not totally unexpected when United took the lead in the 57th minute.
Ryan Giggs converted his first penalty of the afternoon when Patrice Evra was brought down by Benoit Assou-Ekotto.
But this galvanised Tottenham who began to get back into the game and levelled on 71 minutes when Ledley King out-jumped Michael Carrick to head home.
United hit back and ten minutes later regained the lead.
A wonderful piece of skill from Nani, after being put clear by substitute Federico Macheda, saw the Portuguese international deftly chip Gomes.
With five minutes remaining the three points were safe as Giggs tucked away his second spot kick after Nani was brought down by Palacios.
The win lifts United above Chelsea at the top of the table and puts pressure on their title rivals, who face Stoke City on Sunday.
For Tottenham it was a missed opportunity to consolidate their Champions League spot.
