Everton FC dented Manchester City FC's hopes of catching Premier League leaders Manchester United FC with a 2-0 win against the champions at Goodison Park. 

Leon Osman's 25-metre swerving effort and Nikica Jelavić's added-time curler ensured City left Merseyside empty-handed – despite Steven Pienaar's 61st-minute dismissal for a second booking. The defeat meant City's already imposing deficit to their rivals became a daunting 15 points after United beat Reading FC 1-0 in the late kick-off.

Wayne Rooney's first-half goal – a deflected shot which looped over keeper Stuart Taylor – was sufficient to hand United a sixth successive league win and fifth straight clean sheet.

Everton's win moves them sixth, four points shy of fourth place and back above city rivals Liverpool FC, whose impressive recent run came to an abrupt end in a 3-1 loss at Southampton FC. The triumph is a huge fillip in the Saints' bid to beat the drop, moving them seven points above the relegation zone. 

A point further back are Aston Villa FC, who overcame Queens Park Rangers FC 3-2 in a dramatic battle-for-survival encounter. The defeat leaves QPR rooted to the foot of the table, seven points from safety.

Nacho Monreal and Gervinho scored to move Arsenal FC within two points of fourth-placed Chelsea FC, courtesy of a 2-0 win at Swansea City FC. Stoke City FC v West Bromwich Albion FC finished goalless.