United go third as relegation battle takes further twist

There were wins for Man Utd, Everton, Swansea, QPR and Leicester today.

Manchester United's 3-1 home victory over Aston Villa moved them into third and just a point behind Arsenal.

Ander Herrera opened the scoring just before half-time before Wayne Rooney doubled their lead with a superbly-taken goal with just 11 minutes remaining.

Villa hit back immediately through Christian Benteke but could not force an equaliser and conceded an injury-time third as Herrera struck again.

Hull remain in the relegation dogfight after losing 3-1 at Swansea – with David Meyler sent off to add insult to injury.

Ki Sung-yueng opened the scoring for the Swans, with Bafetimbi Gomis doubling their advantage with a fantastic volley.

Paul McShane halved the deficit but Meyler was sent off moments later before Gomis grabbed his second of the game to seal the points for Garry Monk’s men.

The battle at the bottom of the table took further twists as both Leicester City and QPR picked up wins that could yet see them survive.

Bottom club Leicester are now four points from safety after beating West Ham at the King Power Stadium.

Esteban Cambiasso scored an impressive opener but David Nugent missed a penalty as Leicester failed to double their lead.

Cheikhou Kouyate levelled for Sam Allardyce’s visitors before Andy King scored the later winner to keep the Foxes in the hunt.

If their victory was crucial then QPR’s was emphatic as they travelled to West Brom and ran out 4-1 winners.

Eduardo Vargas and Charlie Austin had Chris Ramsey’s side two goals ahead before Bobby Zamora all-but secured the points with a well-taken third before the interval.

Victor Anichebe pulled one back for the hosts who then had Youssouf Mulumbu sent off as their hopes of a spectacular comeback was blunted – especially when Joey Barton scored a fourth in the final minute.

Everton were missing Romelu Lukaku but moved up to 11th with a 1-0 victory over a Southampton side chasing European football.

Phil Jagielka’s close-range finish proved to be the difference as Ronald Koeman’s Saints passed up the opportunity to move above Liverpool after their early defeat at Arsenal.