A routine win against Stoke City FC took Manchester United FC level on points with leaders Manchester City FC, who suffered a 1-0 defeat at Everton FC.

Midfielder Darron Gibson did his former side a huge favour by scoring the winning goal for Everton against City, enabling United to join their city rivals at the top of the Premier League. Gibson only joined David Moyes' side from the English champions on 13 January but, on his third league appearance, fired an unstoppable shot past Joe Hart on the hour to condemn City to only their third reverse of the campaign.

United join City on 54 points thanks to a 2-0 home win against Stoke made possible by penalties in either half by Javier Hernández and Dimitar Berbatov. Third-placed Tottenham Hotspur FC also triumphed against Wigan Athletic FC, with Gareth Bale's double sandwiching Luka Modrić's first-half strike in a 3-1 win.

Chelsea FC, however, are now seven points adrift of Harry Redknapp's side after drawing 1-1 at Swansea City AFC after having Ashley Cole sent off. The hosts would have sunk the Blues but for an added-time Neil Taylor own goal.

Meanwhile, second-half strikes by Andy Carroll, Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt sealed a 3-0 defeat of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC that lifted Liverpool FC up to fifth.