Manchester City and Manchester United both claimed victories yesterday in the Premier League.

Manchester City won 4-3 at Norwich in one of the games of the day. Edin Dzeko produced two goals in the opening five minutes, with two well-taken finishes.

The Canaries were back in the game on 15 minutes, as Anthony Pilkington’s free-kick deflected past Joe Hart in the City goal. Just before half-time City midfielder Samir Nasri was dismissed for appearing to direct his head towards Sebastien Bassong.

However, City re-established their two goal lead early in the second half, Sergio Aguero producing a superb chipped finish from a long pass from Yaya Toure. Norwich got a goal back in the 63^rd minute; Russell Martin finishing after Sebastien Bassong had headed a Robert Snodgrass set-piece across the face of the goal.

City made four in the 67^th minute, as Canaries keeper Mark Bunn saw Edin Dzeko effort come back off the woodwork, hit him and find a way into the net. Norwich made it nervous finish though, Martin scoring his second from close-range.

Norwich pushed forward against the ten-men, but couldn’t find a fourth goal. The victory kept City seven points behind leaders Manchester United, who defeated West Brom 2-0 at Old Trafford. The home side took the lead in the 9^th minute, as Baggies defender Gareth McAuley inadvertently put past his own keeper from Ashley Young’s cross.

United didn’t seal the victory until the last minute. Substitute Robin Van Persie struck a superb left-footed effort from the edge of the penalty box to beat Ben Foster in the Baggies goal. The victory kept United ahead of their city rivals Manchester City heading into the new year.

Other Premier League results:

Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham

Aston Villa 0-3 Wigan

Fulham 1-2 Swansea

Reading 1-0 West Ham

Stoke 3-3 Southampton

Arsenal 7-3 Newcastle

Can Aston Villa survive the drop this season?