LONDON, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- Manchester United extended its strong form under Michael Carrick with a 3-2 win away to Arsenal on Sunday, a result that also boosted Manchester City's title hopes.

Matheus Cunha scored the winner in the 87th minute, two minutes after Mikel Merino's close-range finish from a corner had pulled Arsenal level late in an end-to-end match.

Arsenal took the lead in the 29th minute when Lisandro Martinez turned the ball into his own net, but Bryan Mbeumo pounced on a defensive error to equalize soon afterwards.

Patrick Dorgu restored United's lead five minutes into the second half, setting up a tense finish that cut Arsenal's advantage at the top of the table to four points.

Aston Villa stayed third and level on points with Manchester City after a 2-0 win away to Newcastle United, a result that also dented Newcastle's European hopes.

Emi Buendia opened the scoring in the 19th minute, and Ollie Watkins headed in a second two minutes from time to reward Villa's superiority.

Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 3-1 away, with young Brazilian Estevao scoring the opener and setting up Joao Pedro for the second before Enzo Fernandez added a penalty to make it 3-0. Chris Richards pulled one back late for Palace, which also had Adam Wharton sent off.

Nottingham Forest won 2-0 away to Brentford, with Igor Jesus heading in during the first half and Taiwo Awoniyi adding a second in the 79th minute from Morgan Gibbs-White's assist. ■