Manchester United wasted the chance to start the new year at the top of the Premier League when they were stunned 3-2 by strugglers Blackburn Rovers on Saturday to spoil manager Alex Ferguson's 70th birthday.
Blackburn, who started the day bottom of the table, had taken an unlikely 2-0 lead early in the second half thanks to a Yakubu double before the injury-ravaged champions drew level through two Dimitar Berbatov goals.
United had needed a point to ensure they would finish the year in top spot with leaders Manchester City not playing until Sunday but Grant Hanley's 80th-minute winner for Blackburn stopped them in their tracks.
Defeat leaves United with 45 points from 19 games, behind City on goal difference. Roberto Mancini's side can go three points clear with a victory at Sunderland.
Third-placed Tottenham Hotspur travel to Swansea City later on Saturday, with fourth-placed Chelsea hosting Aston Villa and sixth-placed Arsenal at home to Queens Park Rangers.
Drogba scores 150th Chelsea goal
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba notched his 150th goal for the club on Saturday with a penalty against Aston Villa in their Premier League game at Stamford Bridge.
The 33-year-old Ivory Coast international joined Chelsea greats Peter Osgood and Roy Bentley on the mark with his 23rd-minute spot kick.
Only Frank Lampard (178), Kerry Dixon (193) and Bobby Tambling (202) have scored more goals for the London club.
