Jermain Defoe struck a hat-trick as Sunderland won a thrilling Premier League relegation battle.

Oxford boss Michael Appleton saluted a “magnificent” performance after Kemar Roofe sent Swansea tumbling out of the FA Cup.

Swansea have appointed Alan Curtis as their manager until the end of the season.

Louis van Gaal believes 2015 should largely be regarded as “a very good year” for Manchester United despite their current woes.

Crystal Palace 0 Swansea City 0: Patrick Bamford is understood to have opted to end his loan stint at Crystal Palace and return to Chelsea, after missing a gilt-edged chance to settle this stalemate.

Manchester City had no problems as they romped to a 4-1 win over struggling Sunderland at the Etihad Stadium to close the gap on leaders Leicester, who lost 1-0 at Liverpool.

Man City 2 Swansea 1: Swansea City will step up their search for a new boss this week and the hotseat will look an attractive proposition despite a defeat at title favourites Manchester City.

Garry Monk is ready for the challenge that awaits him as Swansea’s new head coach, saying: “I will give everything I have.”

Swansea last night sacked manager Michael Laudrup — with veteran defender Garry Monk charged with rallying the team for Saturday’s Welsh derby with Cardiff.

Swansea have announced they have parted company with manager Michael Laudrup.

Swansea 1 Tottenham 2

Scott Sinclair appears to be closing in on a move to Manchester City after the Barclays Premier League champions tabled a formal offer for the Swansea winger.

Arsene Wenger was a relieved man after Arsenal finally got their Barclays Premier League campaign up and running with a narrow 1-0 win over gallant Swansea at Emirates Stadium.

Brian Flynn has been confirmed as caretaker manager of Wales for the Euro 2012 qualifying matches against Bulgaria and Switzerland next month.