Nani sent off

By Chris,
February 10 2010

Manchester United closed the gap on Chelsea to a single point following a 1-1 draw at Villa Park. Carlos Cuellar had nodded the hosts ahead in the first-half, but an own goal from James Collins gave United an almost immediate equaliser. Nani was sent-off for the Champions before the break.

Nani was dismissed as Manchester United and Aston Villa shared the spoils in the Midlands on a cold Wednesday evening.

The Red Devils fell behind after 22 minutes as Carlos Cuellar headed home the opening goal of the night. Stewart Downing's cross caused chaos in the box and Cuellar was on hand to nod home beautifully.

Sir Alex's men, however, bounced back almost immediately. Ryan Giggs' volley cannoned off the knee of Welshman James Collins and left Brad Friedel stranded as United's travelling masses, decked out in green and gold, went bananas.

The equaliser left the visitors brimming with confidence but just seven minutes later they were down to 10-men.

Nani was guilty of an unnecessary two-footed challenge on Stiliyan Petrov and the referee was left with little choice but to show the red card and send him to the stands.

Despite Villa's numerical advantage, United played most of the better football after the interval but couldn't break through for a second time. This, however, was a decent point for United and with Everton stunning Chelsea; the travelling Red Army were more than content as they left the Midlands.

Full Time - Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester United