English Premier League round-up: Aston Villa stall Reds’ resurgence

Christian Benteke scored twice, either side of Andreas Weimann’s well-worked goal, before Steven Gerrard’s late consolation as the hosts’ three-match winning run was ended in surprising fashion.

It was the first time Villa had scored more than once in any half of league football this season and extended their own unbeaten run to five matches, with only a second away win in 17 away league games.

QPR hauled themselves off the foot of the table with a belated first win of the season – 2-1 over Fulham. Adel Taarabt’s quickfire double in the second half finally secured victory after 17 games and lifted Harry Redknapp’s side above Reading, who host Arsenal tomorrow night.

Mladen Petric pulled a goal back two minutes from time but it served only to make QPR sweat for a win that the home fans  celebrated at the final whistle.

Manchester City had earlier bounced back to winning ways after last weekend’s derby defeat. Sergio Aguero and Javi Garcia netted before half-time at Newcastle and, while Demba Ba continued his scoring streak after 51 minutes, Yaya Toure made the points safe for the visitors late on.

Kenwyne Jones scored his first league goal in more than a year as Stoke battled back to draw 1-1 at home to Everton. Ryan Shawcross gifted the Toffees a first-half lead when he headed over his own goalkeeper but Jones levelled when he outjumped Phil Jagielka to head in on 52 minutes.

In-form Everton midfielder  Marouane Fellaini could find himself in hot water after he appeared to headbutt Shawcross during the second half, with referee Mark  Halsey missing the incident.

Former Livingston midfielder Wes Hoolahan marked his new Norwich contract by scoring the match-winner in a 2-1 success over Wigan.

The Canaries announced just before kick-off that Hoolahan had penned a new deal until 2015 and the Republic of Ireland internationalist took centre stage.

He robbed a defender to set up Anthony Pilkington’s opener and, after Shaun Maloney equalised, Hoolahan secured a third successive league win in the 64th minute.