Manchester City FC closed the gap on Manchester United FC to two points at the Premier League summit after Carlos Tévez's hat-trick inspired them to a 6-1 win at Norwich City FC. 

Starting consecutive matches for the first time in 11 months, the Argentinian international curled his side into an 18th-minute lead, before turning provider for Sergio Agüero to make it two. Andrew Surnam halved the deficit shortly after the break, but any chance of a comeback was extinguished when Tévez completed a sumptuous treble either side of Agüero's second. Adam Johnson added a sixth in added time.

Meanwhile, in the first FA Cup semi-final Liverpool FC came from behind to triumph 2-1 against Everton FC. Nikica Jelavić gave David Moyes' side a half-time lead but their Merseyside rivals found their feet after the break. Luis Suárez restored parity with a cool finish, before Andy Carroll headed in the winner three minutes from time.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Swansea City AFC ended a run of four consecutive defeats with a 3-0 win against struggling Blackburn Rovers FC, while Queens Park Rangers FC's relegation fears deepened after a 1-0 loss at West Bromwich Albion FC. Bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers FC drew 0-0 with Sunderland AFC.