Rooney rocket settles derby; Hammers hit back; Reds held at home
Wayne Rooney's wonder-goal settled the Manchester derby, West Ham produced an Olympic fightback at West Brom and Wigan halted Liverpool's winning streak.
Arsenal erased memories of their St James' Park shocker by pushing Wolves to the bottom of the table and Blackpool ended their losing run at home to Aston Villa.
Birmingham left it late to snatch all three points from their home meeting with Stoke while Newcastle's trip to Blackburn ended goalless.
Rooney admitted his sensational late winner against Manchester City was the best goal of his career and few will argue with the Manchester United forward.
The England international, who has endured a generally miserable season by his own high standards, showed his class with a stunning overhead kick of breath-taking technique, athleticism and power 12 minutes from time.
It was a deserving winner to an enthralling derby which was always in the balance with Nani's astute finish before the break cancelled out by David Silva's rather fortuitous leveller.
Fightback
Demba Ba scored twice as West Ham launched a stirring second-half fightback to leave West Brom and incoming manager Roy Hodgson stunned at the Hawthorns.
Arsenal erased memories of their St James' Park shocker by pushing Wolves to the bottom of the table and Blackpool ended their losing run at home to Aston Villa.
Birmingham left it late to snatch all three points from their home meeting with Stoke while Newcastle's trip to Blackburn ended goalless.
Rooney admitted his sensational late winner against Manchester City was the best goal of his career and few will argue with the Manchester United forward.
The England international, who has endured a generally miserable season by his own high standards, showed his class with a stunning overhead kick of breath-taking technique, athleticism and power 12 minutes from time.
It was a deserving winner to an enthralling derby which was always in the balance with Nani's astute finish before the break cancelled out by David Silva's rather fortuitous leveller.
Fightback
Demba Ba scored twice as West Ham launched a stirring second-half fightback to leave West Brom and incoming manager Roy Hodgson stunned at the Hawthorns.
The Baggies cruised into a 2-0 lead inside the opening eight minutes as the Hammers defence stood off obligingly to allow Graham Dorrans and Jerome Thomas to beat Rob Green.
And the visitors, confirmed as preferred bidders for the Olympic Stadium on Friday, continued to self-destruct with Winston Reid only able to turn Dorrans' wicked curling free-kick beyond Green and into his own net just after the half-hour mark.
But January signing Ba pulled one back early in the second period and then Carlton Cole nodded home the Hammers' second in the 58th minute, collecting a painful blow to the mouth in the process, before Ba's late leveller seven minutes from the end.
And the visitors, confirmed as preferred bidders for the Olympic Stadium on Friday, continued to self-destruct with Winston Reid only able to turn Dorrans' wicked curling free-kick beyond Green and into his own net just after the half-hour mark.
But January signing Ba pulled one back early in the second period and then Carlton Cole nodded home the Hammers' second in the 58th minute, collecting a painful blow to the mouth in the process, before Ba's late leveller seven minutes from the end.
Liverpool's four-game winning streak came to an end as Wigan finally found a way past Reds goalkeeper Jose Reina at Anfield.
Raul Meireles continued his stunning recent scoring run with another assured volley from Fabio Aurelio's deflected cross in the 24th minute.
But the Latics drew level midway through the second period when Charles N'Zogbia's cross caused panic in the Liverpool defence and Steve Gohouri bundled home from close range.
Delightful
Robin Van Persie bagged his 10th goal in his last seven games as Arsenal banished the memories of their Newcastle capitulation with victory over Wolves.
Raul Meireles continued his stunning recent scoring run with another assured volley from Fabio Aurelio's deflected cross in the 24th minute.
But the Latics drew level midway through the second period when Charles N'Zogbia's cross caused panic in the Liverpool defence and Steve Gohouri bundled home from close range.
Delightful
Robin Van Persie bagged his 10th goal in his last seven games as Arsenal banished the memories of their Newcastle capitulation with victory over Wolves.
The Holland international handed the Gunners the ideal start with a delightful volley from Cesc Fabregas' cross to give Wayne Hennessey no chance in the 16th minute.
And the in-form forward made it 2-0 early in the second period as he slotted home from Theo Walcott's pass after a lighting break by the Gunners.
Nikola Zigic grabbed what could prove to be a priceless goal in Birmingham's battle to beat the drop with a last-minute winner against Stoke.
The Midlands duel looked to be heading for a 0-0 draw until Asmir Begovic spilled David Bentley's shot, Cameron Jerome showed great awareness to cross and giant striker Zigic nodded home under the bar.
Blackpool snapped their five-game losing slump but were forced to settle for a point against 10-man Aston Villa at Bloomfield Road.
Villa forged ahead after 10 minutes when Darren Bent's clever flick sent Gabriel Agbonlahor clear before rolling home, but Blackpool were soon back on terms as Charlie Adam's corner was glanced home by Elliot Grandin.
The visitors were reduced to 10 men with 20 minutes remaining as Jean Makoun received a straight red card for a two-footed lunge which sent DJ Campbell into the air.
Any fans who travelled to Ewood Park hoping for a repeat of Newcastle's thrilling display last time out were sorely disappointed following a 0-0 draw with Blackburn.
The Magpies were clearly missing a presence up front but elected not to throw recent signing Shefki Kuqi into the fray until the very last minute.
In Saturday's final game Tottenham escaped from Sunderland with a 2-1 victory that was secured by Niko Kranjcar's second stunning winner in as many games.
Sunderland were full value for an 11th minute lead that arrived courtesy of Asamoah Gyan's brilliant turn and finish, before Michael Dawson's header went through the body of Craig Gordon on the stroke of half-time.
On the hour mark Kranjcar ensured Spurs head to the San Siro in fine fettle as he showed exemplary technique in slamming home a volleyed winner.
In Saturday's final game Tottenham escaped from Sunderland with a 2-1 victory that was secured by Niko Kranjcar's second stunning winner in as many games.
Sunderland were full value for an 11th minute lead that arrived courtesy of Asamoah Gyan's brilliant turn and finish, before Michael Dawson's header went through the body of Craig Gordon on the stroke of half-time.
On the hour mark Kranjcar ensured Spurs head to the San Siro in fine fettle as he showed exemplary technique in slamming home a volleyed winner.
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