Manchester City claimed a 3-1 victory at Newcastle in the Premier League in Saturday’s early kick-off.

The champions took the lead on 10 minutes. Samir Nasri latched onto a superb pass from Yaya Toure and found Sergio Aguero who tapped-home.

City’s lead was increased in the 39^th minute. Spanish midfielder Javi Garcia headed towards goal from a Carlos Tevez corner and Newcastle defender Davide Santon put the ball past his own keeper on the line. Newcastle got back in the game early in the second half.

Demba Ba beat the City offside trap to loop a header over Joe Hart. However the home revival was killed off in the 78^th minute. Pablo Zabaleta’s cross was prodded home by midfielder Yaya Toure.

The victory temporarily moved the champion’s three points behind rivals Manchester United, who defeated Sunderland 3-1 in one of the games that kicked-off at 3PM. The home side took the lead on 16 minutes through Robin Van Persie.

The Dutch striker latched onto a poor clearance from former-United defender John O’Shea and fired home. Just minutes later the Red Devils doubled their lead, midfielder Tom Cleverley scoring with a superb curling effort from the edge of the penalty box.

Wayne Rooney looked dangerous and missed some good chances, before finally found the target in the 59^th minute. Robin Van Persie fired in a cross that hit Rooney and found the net off the strikers shin.

Sunderland got a goal back in the 72^nd minute through a header from former-Manchester United ace Fraizer Campbell. The goal was scant consolation for Martin O’Neill’s men. The victory kept the home side six points clear at the top of the table, Sunderland are just a point above the relegation zone.

Other Premier League results:

Liverpool 1-3 Aston Villa

Norwich 2-1 Wigan

Stoke 1-1 Everton

QPR 2-1 Fulham

Can Manchester United maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League?