Manchester United lead neighbours City on goal difference at the top of the EPL after conceding a controversial late equaliser at St. Andrews.

Deservedly leading thanks to Dimitar Berbatov’s fine strike just before the hour, United were held to their seventh draw in eight EPL away games this season by Lee Bowyer’s close-range right-footed shot on 89 minutes.

The ball fell to an offside-looking Bowyer after substitute Nikola Zigic appeared to both foul United centre-back Rio Ferdinand and handle the ball as he diverted it into Bowyer’s path.

United had dominated possession against Birmingham for long spells while being largely restricted to long-range efforts.

The closest they came was in the 18^th minute, when Blues keeper Ben Foster fingertipped a mishit Ryan Giggs cross from the right onto the post. But they broke the deadlock thirteen minutes after half-time.

A quick passing interchange between Berbatov and Darron Gibson gave the Bulgarian frontman just enough time in the penalty box to place a firm low right-footed drive past Blues’ keeper Ben Foster.

United continued to have the better of the chances until a late surge of Blues possession led to Bowyer’s hotly-disputed leveller, which could yet prove crucial in a tight title race.