Robin van Persie scored after 33 seconds as Manchester United FC condemned West Ham United FC to a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford, while title rivals Manchester City FC triumphed 2-0 over Wigan Athletic FC. 

Sir Alex Ferguson's men came flying out the blocks and scored the game's only goal when Van Persie's shot deflected in off defender James Collins. City, who trail the Premier League pacesetters by a point, had to wait until the 69th minute to break the deadlock away from home. Mario Balotelli followed up Gareth Barry's parried effort, before James Milner completed the formalities with a thumping finish. 

Rafael Benítez's second game in charge of Chelsea FC ended in another goalless home draw, this time versus Fulham FC, while Swansea City AFC flexed their goalscoring muscles in a 3-1 victory against West Bromwich Albion FC, who slip to fourth. A place behind are Tottenham Hotspur FC, who beat Liverpool FC 2-1. 

Elsewhere, Everton FC drew for the seventh time this term, Marouane Fellaini finding the net in a 1-1 stalemate with Arsenal FC, while Stoke City FC came from behind to defeat Newcastle United FC, whose winless streak in all competitions stands at seven matches. Southampton FC remain 18th after being held 1-1 by Norwich City FC.