Manchester City FC moved five points clear at the Premier League summit after overcoming Bolton Wanderers FC to register their 14th successive home victory of the season.

Roberto Mancini's side stole ahead through a Gretar Steinsson own goal (23) and Mario Balotelli (69) ensured Manchester United FC must win at Tottenham Hotspur FC on Sunday to remain in touch.

Earlier, Arsenal FC strengthened their prospects of UEFA Champions League football next season after coming from behind to beat Liverpool FC. Though the Reds forged ahead (23) thanks to Laurent Koscielny's own goal they were worthy of their lead after Luis Suárez and Dirk Kuyt both hit the post and the latter had a penalty saved by Wojciech Szczęsny. Robin van Persie, however, levelled (31) and then stung the hosts in added time with his 25th goal in 27 Premier League matches.

The Gunners are now three points clear of Chelsea FC, who suffered their seventh league reverse of the campaign, after Gareth McAuley's late winner (82) for West Bromwich Albion FC. Elsewhere, there were respective wins for Stoke City FC and Swansea City AFC against Norwich City FC and Wigan Athletic FC, while there were 1-1 draws between Queens Park Rangers FC and Everton FC and Blackburn Rovers FC and Aston Villa FC.