LONDON, September 21: The top-of-the-table clash ended sensationally with Arsenal skipper Patrick Vieira sent off after 80 minutes and Ruud Van Nistelrooy cracking a stoppage-time penalty against the crossbar.

It was a typically battling match between the two old rivals but was marred when Vieira was red-carded for the ninth time in his Arsenal career for appearing to lash out with a leg at Van Nistelrooy after a clumsy challenge by the Dutchman.

United had the better scoring chances, but the point gained was enough to take Arsenal back to the top of the table.

In another match, a sixth-minute goal from Joseph-Desire Job was enough to give Middlesbrough their first win of the season after a draw and four defeats in their opening five matches.

Boro were unlucky to be denied a second goal after 39 minutes when a header from Franck Quedrue bounced down off the bar and over the line but the officials failed to award a goal.