Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored his first Premier League goal for Manchester United but was later stretchered off as Jose Mourinho's side claimed a timely 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Mkhitaryan converted Ander Herrera's through ball just before the half hour to end a frustrating run of four successive home draws and give United just a second win in nine league matches.

It was his second goal in two games, after he opened his account for the club against Zorya Luhansk on Thursday, but he exited on a stretcher after turning his ankle in a challenge by Danny Rose.

United remain 13 points below leaders Chelsea, but closed to within three points of fifth-place Spurs and six off Manchester City, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League berth.

United once again failed to convert their dominance into goals, but unlike in their recent 1-1 draws against Arsenal, West Ham United and Everton, they were not made to pay.

Initially kept on the sidelines by Mourinho following his arrival from Borussia Dortmund, Mkhitaryan has become something of a lucky charm for the Portuguese, who will hope his injury is not too serious.

Mauricio Pochettino's side remain without an away league win since September 24.

It took United less than two minutes to carve Spurs open, Zlatan Ibrahimovic teeing up Paul Pogba for a left-foot shot that was parried by his France team-mate Hugo Lloris.

United goalkeeper David de Gea had to deal with a zippy free-kick from Christian Eriksen, but the hosts looked the more likely scorers and duly went ahead in the 29th minute.

Harry Kane played the ball straight to Herrera, whose inviting pass between the Spurs centre-backs freed Armenian playmaker Mkhitaryan to run through and smash a rising shot past Lloris.

France midfielder Pogba left the Spurs crossbar shuddering with an arcing 25-yard free-kick and then stung Lloris's palms with a crisp shot following a one-two with Herrera.

De Gea had to claw away another Eriksen free-kick, but despite Mkhitaryan's premature 84th-minute exit, United saw the game out.

Earlier, Diego Costa fired Chelsea back to the top of the Premier League as the Spain striker's late winner clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

Antonio Conte's side had been knocked out of first place by Arsenal on Saturday, but they reopened a three point lead over the Gunners thanks to Costa's superb finish in the closing stages at Stamford Bridge.

Costa's 12th league goal in his last 15 appearances gave Chelsea a ninth successive league win for the first time since 2007.

They have scored 23 goals and conceded just two in that blistering streak, raising hopes of a Premier League title in Conte's first season.