EPL Watch: United end 2012 top of the league, 7 points ahead of City

Robin van Persie came off the bench to score a nerve-calming second for Manchester United, as they finished 2012 on top of the league, seven points ahead of Manchester City. The Red Devils led for most of the game, after Gareth McAuley deflected Ashley Young’s cross past Ben Foster. The home side however could not add to their early advantage and survived a second half onslaught, before the Dutchman curled him an exquisite second.

However, City ensured they kept pace with United, as they saw out a 4-3 thriller away to Norwich, even after Samir Nasri was sent off in the first half for retaliation.

Earlier in the day, Spurs came from behind to defeat Sunderland 2-1 at the Stadium of Light. Stoke drew 3-3 at home with Southampton, while Pavel Pogrebnyak’s early effort gave Reading a much needed 1-0 victory over West Ham.

Aston Villa conceded their 15th goal in three games, as they lost 3-0 to Wigan Athletic. Swansea – without Michu – had enough to defeat Fulham 2-1.

In the last game of the day, Theo Walcott scored a stunning brace, as Arsenal held their nerves at home, to defeat Newcastle  7-3 in an exciting game for neutrals.

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