LONDON (AP):

Arsenal's title push was slowed by a draw at Southampton, Liverpool humbled neighbours Everton and Robin van Persie made a goal-scoring return from injury for Manchester United in the Premier League yesterday.

Arsenal clung on to a 2-2 draw at Southampton with 10 men after Mathieu Flamini was sent off in the 80th minute for a two-footed tackle.

After trailing through José Fonte's goal, Arsenal led briefly at the start of the second half when Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla scored but Adam Lallana quickly levelled for Southampton.

While Arsenal extended their lead to two points, Manchester City can now go top with a victory at Tottenham today. If City slip up, Chelsea can take the lead by beating West Ham.

Liverpool's focus is Champions League qualification, and a 4-0 derby demolition of Everton - with Daniel Sturridge scoring twice - took them three points ahead of Tottenham in fourth place.

United are staying in touch with the top four, but remain six points adrift despite Van Persie taking just six minutes to score after almost two months out in a 2-0 victory over bottom-place Cardiff.

Jonjo Shelvey and Chico Flores scored as Swansea beat Fulham 2-0 for their first win in nine league games, while Jason Puncheon eased Crystal Palace's relegation fears by clinching a 1-0 victory over Hull.

The only game without goals on Tuesday was at Carrow Road, but the drama was provided by the 80th-minute scuffle that led to Norwich midfielder Bradley Johnson and Newcastle striker Loic Remy being sent off.