Manchester, Dec 16: Manchester United maintained a six point lead at the top with a comfortable 3-1 win over Sunderland at Old Trafford. Captain Nemanja Vidic made a return after being absent for months and goals from Tom Cleverley, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney put the game to bed at the hour mark.

Manchester City survived the second-half onslaught from Newcastle United as they won 3-1 at St. James Park. City's first-half brilliance was enough to hand them a two-goal advantage but the hosts got one back through Demba Ba. Yaya Toure wrapped the game up 12 minutes from time.

Liverpool were shocked at home after Christian Benteke single-handedly helped Aston Villa win 3-1 at Anfield. The 20-year old striker split open the Reds defence to score twice while Andreas Weimann added another. Steven Gerrard was too late but his goal avoided Liverpool's heaviest home defeat.

Stoke City came back to deny Everton three points after a 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium. Ryan Shawcross's own goal sent the Toffees ahead but Kenwyne Jones equalised for the Potters.

Adel Taarabt scored twice to give Queens Park Rangers and Harry Redknaap their first win this season. Rangers beat Fulham 2-1 at Loftus Road.

Norwich City continued to climp up the ladder with a 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic at Carrow Road. Anthony Pilkington opened the scoring early on but the visitors levelled through Shaun Maloney. Wes Hoolahan scored the winner in the 64th minute leaving Wigan in the relegation zone.

West Brom Albion ended their losing run but were denied a win by a stubborn West Ham United side at the Hawthorns. The Baggies have now failed to score in three games in a row but maintained their position in the top six.

Tottenham moved to fourth place after a 1-0 win over Swansea City at White Hart Lane. Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen scored the winner 15 minutes from time.

Santi Cazorla netted a hat-trick in the 5-2 thrashing of Reading at the Madejski stadium on Monday. Theo Walcott and Lukas Podolski scored one each while Adam Le Fondre and Jimmy Kebe scored twice for the hosts.

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