Manchester City FC maintained their two-point advantage over Manchester United FC after both recorded resounding wins on Wednesday.

Sergio Agüero scored in either half as the leaders cruised to a 3-0 victory at home to Stoke City FC, with Adam Johnson also on target as Roberto Mancini’s men extended their perfect home record in the Premier League. By contrast it is United's away form that is keeping Sir Alex Ferguson's charges in the hunt. First-half strikes from Danny Welbeck, Nani and Ryan Giggs underpinned a 5-0 success at Fulham FC, with late efforts from Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov ensuring a seventh away win this term.

Arsenal FC remain fifth and 12 points off the pace after Yossi Benayoun's 87th-minute winner at Aston Villa FC. Robin van Persie's first-half penalty had been cancelled out by Marc Albrighton (54). Liverpool FC are two points further back as they drew 0-0 at Wigan Athletic FC, Charlie Adam missed a second-half penalty for the visitors.

Sunderland AFC made it two wins from three games under Martin O'Neill as they won 3-2 at Queens Park Rangers FC while West Bromwich Albion FC secured back-to-back away triumphs after edging Newcastle United FC 3-2. Finally, Leon Osman scored the only goal as Everton FC beat Swansea City FC 1-0.