Manchester City moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League after beating Bolton Wanderers 2-0 to pick up their 14th successive home victory of the season.
Roberto Mancini’s side went ahead through a Gretar Steinsson own goal and Mario Balotelli doubled City’s lead with 20 minutes remaining, courtesy of an excellent backheeled assist from Adam Johnson. City’s win kept the pressure on Manchester United, who must now win at Spurs on Sunday to remain in touch.
In the early kickoff Arsenal took a big step towards a top four finish as they came from behind to stun Liverpool at Anfield 2-1. Liverpool went ahead through a Laurent Koscielny’s own goal, but they were made to rue their missed chances as both Luis Suárez and Dirk Kuyt both hit the post and the latter had a penalty saved by Wojciech Szczęsny. Robin van Persie, however, leveled in the 31st minute and then shocked the Liverpool crowd in added time with his 25th goal in 27 Premier League matches.
RVP has been brilliant this season and is a shoo-in to win the Player of the Year in the Premier League
The Gunners are now three points clear of Chelsea, who suffered their seventh league defeat of the campaign, after Gareth McAuley’a late winner for West Bromwich Albion. The loss will heap more pressure on Chelsea boss André Villas-Boas.
Elsewhere, Stoke beat Norwich City while Swansea won at Wigan to keep Roberto Martinez’s side at the bottom of the Premier League.
Finally there were 1-1 draws between Queens Park Rangers and Everton and Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa.