Manchester City rattle six past leaders Arsenal

Manchester City FC moved within three points of Arsenal FC with a statement-making 6-3 victory at home against the Premier League leaders, before Chelsea FC reduced the Gunners' advantage to two points by downing Crystal Palace FC 2-1.

Sergio Agüero opened the scoring for City from a corner on 14 minutes and although Theo Walcott levelled with a deflected shot, Álvaro Negredo restored the lead ahead of half-time. Fernandinho curled in for City shortly after the break, and Manuel Pellegrini's charges responded to a fine Walcott effort with goals from David Silva and another for Fernandinho.

Per Mertesacker registered late in added time for Arsenal, but City were not finished yet and capped an excellent attacking performance via Yaya Touré from the penalty spot, their 35th goal in eight home league games this term. The result lifted City into second, until Chelsea climbed back ahead of them thanks to Ramires's 35th-minute goal against Palace, Marouane Chamakh having earlier cancelled out a Fernando Torres opener.

Everton FC are fourth as they made it nine games unbeaten with a 4-1 home success against Fulham FC – Leon Osman, Seamus Coleman, Gareth Barry and Kevin Mirallas with the goals – while Newcastle United FC and Southampton FC played out a 1-1 draw.

Also on Saturday, Peter Whittingham's effort meant Cardiff City AFC lifted themselves up to 14th by edging West Bromwich Albion FC 1-0, and strugglers West Ham FC and Sunderland AFC contested a 0-0 stalemate, as did Hull City AFC and Stoke City FC.