Manchester United miss chance to go top as Pilkington seals Canaries triumph

Manchester United blew the chance to go back on top of the Barclays Premier League table when they lost a hard-fought clash with Norwich 1-0 at Carrow Road.

After Manchester City had earlier thrashed Aston Villa 5-0 earlier this afternoon, only a win would have been enough for United to jump over their neighbours once again.

However, with England striker Wayne Rooney missing because of tonsillitis, the Red Devils produced a lacklustre display as the Canaries secured a third win in five league games with a fine header from Anthony Pilkington on the hour.

City’s win came courtesy of a strike from David Silva and penalties by Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez, who also went on to complete doubles.

Arsenal romped to a 5-2 victory in the north London derby at the Emirates against ten-man Tottenham after Emmanuel Adebayor’s dismissal sparked a Spurs collapse. Adebayor had opened the scoring against his old club before being sent off for a challenge on Santi Cazorla. The Gunners scored through Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud, Cazorla and Theo Walcott before Gareth Bale pulled one back late on.

Goals for Rickie Lambert and Jason Puncheon helped struggling Southampton to a vital 3-1 win against QPR at Loftus Road. Junior Hoilett’s second-half header was not enough for Rangers as Anton Ferdinand scored a late own goal.

Luis Suarez scored a brace as Liverpool beat Wigan 3-0 at Anfield. The Uruguay international beat Ali Al Habsi twice in the second half and Jose Enrique sealed the win.

Reading came from behind to earn their first league win this season with a 2-1 victory over Everton. Steven Naismith opened the scoring for the Toffees before Adam Le Fondre equalised. Everton’s Seamus Coleman conceded a penalty which Le Fondre converted.

At the Hawthorns, West Bromwich Albion beat Chelsea 2-1 thanks to goals from Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie. Long opened the scoring before Eden Hazard equalised for Chelsea on the stroke of half-time, but Odemwingie later headed past Petr Cech.

Swansea beat Newcastle 2-1 at St James’ Park thanks in part to a blunder by Magpies keeper Tim Krul. Krul miscued a clearance straight to Pablo Hernandez, who picked out Michu with a great cross, allowing the Spaniard to head the ball past Krul.

Jonathan de Guzman sealed the win late in the game when he followed up substitute Danny Graham’s blocked strike with Demba Ba’s stoppage time score not enough for Newcastle.