Wednesday’s Premier League round-up

Manchester City clawed back three points on Manchester United in the race for the Premier League title as they beat West Brom 4-0 while the Red Devils suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at Wigan.

Roberto Mancini’s side fell eight points behind their local rivals following defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, but they responded in emphatic fashion to move within five points of the leaders.

A Sergio Aguero brace and goals from Carlos Tevez and David Silva ensured City’s title hopes were kept alive.

Shaun Maloney’s second half strike was enough to see off United and halt their run of eight consecutive league wins.

Wigan thought they had taken the lead in the first half through Victor Moses but the goal was chalked off for a foul on David De Gea.

In the end it didn’t matter though as Maloney’s curling effort in the 50th minute gave Roberto Martinez’s side a victory which leaves them two points clear of the bottom three.

There was also a crucial win for fellow strugglers QPR who beat Swansea 3-0 at Loftus Road.

Joey Barton, Jamie Mackie and Akos Buzsaky all netted in the vital victory, their third in five games, which lifts Mark Hughes’ team two points above the relegation zone.

In the other game third-placed Arsenal won 3-0 against bottom side Wolves to open up a five point lead over Spurs and Newcastle.

Sebastian Bassong was dismissed early on for dragging down Theo Walcott in the penalty area, and Robin Van Persie stepped up to convert the subsequent spot-kick.

Walcott got himself on the scoresheet soon after following a neat one-two with Van Persie before Yossi Benayoun rounded things off in the second half with a low finish from Alex Song’s pass.

Wolves are now nine points adrift of safety with five games to play.