Anthony Martial struck late against Tottenham to ensure Manchester United still have Manchester City within their sights at the top of the English Premier League.
The Frenchman came off the bench to score the only goal of the game at Old Trafford, preventing third-placed Spurs from claiming what would have been a valiant point in the absence of leading scorer Harry Kane.
"Today, if we drew the match or even if in the last minute we concede a goal and we lose 1-0, I wouldn't be against the players because I felt from minute one every ball was like the last ball of their careers," United manager Jose Mourinho said.
"They gave absolutely everything, so I'm really happy with them."
Up and over: Manchester United saw out Tottenham, who couldn't shake off Kane-centric criticism.Credit: Martin Rickett
Having suffered a first league defeat of the season last weekend at Huddersfield, United remain five points behind City, who showed no sign of slowing down with a 3-2 victory at West Bromwich Albion.
Goals from Leroy Sane, Fernandinho and Raheem Sterling gave Pep Guardiola's side the win and took them to 28 points - to equal the best return after 10 matches of an EPL season - as irresistible City took their campaign's tally of league goals to a remarkable 35.
After the game Guardiola but dismissed Liverpool counterpart Juergen Klopp's suggestion they will be champions by January.
"You are English - from a long time ago, did you see a champion in January? Me neither." the Spaniard said.
Asked if it was unrealistic, Guardiola said: "Definitely."
An Eden Hazard goal gave Chelsea a 1-0 win at Bournemouth to keep them in the top four, in a game they should have won more convincingly.l
"I think we deserved to win because we played good football," Conte said.
"I think today that if I have to find a negative aspect, we could be more clinical."
The Blues are ahead of Arsenal on goal difference, after the Gunners came from behind to defeat Swansea 2-1 and move within a point of Tottenham.
Sead Kolasinac and Aaron Ramsey got the second-half goals for Arsene Wenger's side after Sam Clucas opened the scoring for Swansea.
"For us it was important to play quicker, sharper, with more penetration, changing sides quicker and putting them more under pressure, which we did in the second half," Wenger said, after his 800th EPL game in charge of Arsenal.
Liverpool brought Huddersfield back to reality with a 3-0 victory at Anfield, courtesy of goals from Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum.
Mohamed Salah had missed a penalty at the end of the first half at Anfield but it proved immaterial.
"Three goals, three points, clean sheet," a delighted Klopp said.
Stoke secured a much-needed three points by beating Watford 1-0, with Darren Fletcher's first goal for the Potters easing the pressure on manager Mark Hughes.
Bottom side Crystal Palace drew 2-2 with visiting West Ham after Wilfried Zaha equalised in the dying seconds for the hosts.
Reuters