ManU slump

Manchester United8217;s stuttering start to the defence of the Premier League title became a full-blown slump on Sunday when they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City. The win, courtesy of Geovanni8217;s 31st minute shot, left Sven-Goran Eriksson8217;s City top of the league with a maximum nine points and looking down on their rivals who languish just outside the bottom three with two points. United8217;s main title rivals all dropped points, however. Liverpool and Chelsea drew 1-1 at Anfield, Frank Lampard8217;s penalty cancelling out Fernando Torres8217; opener, while Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers.