Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points with a 5-1 win over Norwich, while Chelsea defeated Newcastle 3-0 to ease the pressure on beleaguered boss Andre Villas-Boas on Saturday. Roberto Mancini's side took the lead in the 32nd minute at Eastlands when Argentina forward Sergio Aguero wriggled free of several Norwich defenders before flicking a clever finish into the far corner for his 13th goal of the season.
Samir Nasri got the second when his floated free-kick caught Norwich goalkeeeper John Ruddy flat-footed and crept into the net in the 51st minute. Yaya Toure scored for the leaders in the 68th minute and, although Wales striker Steve Morison got one back for Norwich in the 81st minute, substitutes Mario Balotelli and Adam Johnson struck late on to ensure City opened up a sizeable gap at the top.
Manchester United, who trail City by eight points, are now under pressure to win at Aston Villa in Saturday's late game. "It was not easy in the first half because Norwich defended with all their players behind the ball but Aguero scored a fantastic goal," Mancini said.
Chelsea took the lead when Drogba struck with a bullet header from Juan Mata's cross in the 38th minute. Substitute Kalou's 88th minute strike and a cool shot from Sturridge in stoppage time secured Chelsea's second win in their last five matches in all competitions and ended Newcastle's unbeaten home run. Tottenham swept into second place with an emphatic 3-0 victory over 10-man Bolton at White Hart Lane.
Resurgent Arsenal moved into fifth place with a 4-0 rout of Wigan that pushed the Latics to the bottom of the table. Blackburn striker Ayegbeni Yakubu gave much-criticised boss Steve Kean some breathing space as his four-goal haul inspired a 4-2 win over Swansea at Ewood Park that lifted Rovers off the bottom.
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