By Chris,
December 29 2010

Lee Bowyer fired home a controversial late equaliser as Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw at Birmingham. In-form Dimitar Berbatov had given the Red Devils the lead - but a point was still enough for United to leap-frog fierce rivals City and return to the Premier League summit.

Berbatov fired United into the lead as his low shot capped a fine link-up with midfielder Darron Gibson.

However, the Reds were pegged back at the death in headline-grabbing circumstances.

Nikola Zigic appeared to handle a late Blues cross before Bowyer popped up to turn the ball beyond the reach of Edwin van der Sar.

United may also point to a possible Roger Johnson foul on Rio Ferdinand, plus a suspicion of offside from Zigic, during the late goal's build-up.

Birmingham's fans were delighted with the late point in a game which saw Alex McLeish's side pack the midfield and try and stifle United's build-up play.

The Red Devils came close to bagging a second when Berbatov, now with 14 league goals to his name, struck the woodwork. United couldn't extend their lead, however, and ultimately paid the price at the death.

Sir Alex's men remain unbeaten in the league and have now drawn seven of eight away fixtures. The league leaders will be under pressure to improve that record when they are next in action at West Bromwich on New Year's Day.

Full Time - Birmingham City 1-1 Manchester United
Attendance - 28,242