Manchester United FC made some amends for their midweek UEFA Champions League exit with a 4-1 defeat of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, with Nani and Wayne Rooney scoring from range in the first half and then again from under the shadow of the goalposts after the break, following Steven Fletcher's header for Wolves. Sir Alex Ferguson's side trail Manchester City FC by two points, with the league leaders up against Chelsea CF at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Arsenal FC moved up to fourth, with Robin van Persie volleying the only goal in their win against Everton FC with 20 minutes to go, and Liverpool FC are sixth thanks to a 1-0 win against Queens Park Rangers FC, with Luis Suárez nodding the winner just after the break. A third defeat in four league games for Newcastle United FC – 4-2 at promoted Norwich City FC – has seen the Magpies slip to seventh.

UEFA Europa League contenders Fulham FC lost 2-0 at Swansea City AFC, and Wigan Athletic FC were 2-1 winners at West Bromwich Albion FC, but Bolton Wanderers FC are rooted to the foot of the table following a 2-1 home defeat against Aston Villa FC.