Wayne Rooney and Nani both ended lengthy scoring droughts with two goals each as Manchester United finished a bad week on an upbeat note with an emphatic 4-1 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Saturday.
Having gone out of the Champions League following a meek defeat at Basel on Wednesday, second-placed United moved to within two points of Manchester City, who visit Chelsea on Monday, after Nani's first club goals in 14 games and Rooney's first in nine league games proved too much for Wolves.
A superb volley by red-hot Robin van Persie gave Arsenal a 1-0 home win over Everton while Liverpool beat Queens Park Rangers by the same score at Anfield courtesy of a Luis Suarez goal.
Early-season pacesetters Newcastle have now taken only one point from four games after they lost 4-2 at Norwich City, while there were also wins for Aston Villa, Swansea City and Wigan Athletic.
Images: Aguero magic helps leaders Man City march on
League Cup: Crystal Palace stun Man United, march into semis
FA has opened up a can of worms: Redknapp on Rooney appeal
EPL: Late Dempsey winner sinks 10-man Liverpool
PHOTOS: Best sports moments of 2011 - Part 1