Title race blown wide open after City go down at Everton, United take advantage by beating Stoke

On a day where off-field antics became as important as on-field performances in the shape of deadline-day transfer deals, England’s current top three clubs all took to the football field in a hope of strengthening their push for the Premier League crown.

Top of the table, Manchester City, travelled to Everton and suffered just their third defeat this term, whilst neighbours Manchester United won 2-0 against Stoke City, thanks to two penalties. Tottenham eased to a 3-1 victory over Wigan, whilst the rest of the league’s action saw Swansea draw with the fourth placed Chelsea, and Wolves losing heavily at home to Liverpool.

Everton 1-0 Manchester City

Former Manchester United player, Darron Gibson, helped his former side by scoring the only goal of the game as Everton beat Manchester City at Goodison Park.

Goodison Park has been a bogey ground for City in recent years, and despite the visitors dominating the statistics, the work ethics of Everton saw the Toffees come away with a result once again.

Denis Stracqualursi went close early on when his header was cleared off the line, however Samir Nasri almost opened the scoring with a 30-yard effort when the ball crashed against the underside of the bar.

However cometh the hour – cometh the man, when Leighton Baines’ cross was smashed home by Gibson via a deflection, sending the blue half of Liverpool, and the red half of Manchester, to raptures.

Manchester United 2-0 Stoke City

Two penalties gave Manchester United a 2-0 victory against Stoke, and they now sit level on points with neighbours Manchester City.

Javier Hernandez dispatched the first spot kick on 38 minutes when Potters’ winger, Jermaine Pennant, had fouled South Korean Park Ji Sung.

Antonio Valencia’s good form continued when he played a part in the home side’s second goal. The midfielder was fouled by Jonathan Walters and striker Dimitar Berbatov converted.

Sir Alex Ferguson, whose team was missing 11 senior players, and had given goalkeeper Ben Amos his first Premier League appearance, will be happy with the reaction his club gave after their FA Cup defeat to Liverpool last weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Wigan Athletic

Tottenham Hotspur coasted to victory at White Hart Lane with a two goal margin against relegation threatened Wigan Athletic. Gareth Bale found the net twice for the home side, who have closed the gap to the leaders to just five points, whilst the Latics remain at the bottom of the table on 15 points.

Croatian playmaker, Luka Modric played an integral part once again. The midfielder setting up Bale’s first, just before the half hour mark, and not long before he scored a 20-yard effort making it 3-0.

After Bale had assured the points stayed in London with Spurs’ third, James McArthur chipped in a consolation for the visitors with 10 minutes to go.

Derek Baker

Full results:

Everton 1-0 Manchester City
Manchester United 2-0 Stoke City
Swansea City 1-1 Chelsea
Tottenham 3-1 Wigan Athletic
Wolves 0-3 Liverpool