Premier League: Tottenham, United, City claim wins

Tottenham 1 - 0 Swansea

Jan Vertonghen's classy second-half finish sent Tottenham Hotspur back into the Premier League's top four.
The Belgian defender eventually broke the deadlock at White Hart Lane, calmly turning Kyle Walker's free-kick past Gerhard Tremmel after it brushed the head of defender Ben Davies.
Spurs had to work hard before breaching the visitors' well-organised defence with 15 minutes remaining.
Swansea had few chances and remain 10th despite a second successive defeat.


Newcastle 1 - 3 Man City

Manchester City bounced back from the disappointment of losing the Manchester derby with a stylish victory over Newcastle United at St James' Park.
Sergio Aguero opened the scoring with a close-range finish after being set up by Samir Nasri, who hit the post 10 minutes later.

Javi Garcia made it 2-0 from David Silva's corner before Demba Ba's header after the break gave the Magpies hope.
But Yaya Toure's seven-yard finish from Pablo Zabaleta's pass sealed victory.



Man Utd 3 - 1 Sunderland

Manchester United produced a ruthless attacking display at Old Trafford to ensure they will top the Premier League table this Christmas.
Two goals in four first-half minutes ultimately decided this as a contest, with Robin van Persie and Tom Cleverley firing in to put Sir Alex Ferguson's side firmly in control.
Wayne Rooney tapped in from close range to make it 3-0 just before the hour mark but Sunderland kept fighting and deservedly pulled a goal back through substitute and former United striker Fraizer Campbell.
The result maintains United's six-point lead over Manchester City.


Liverpool 1 - 3 Aston Villa

Liverpool were left stunned after their hopes of challenging for a top-four spot were hit by a loss to Aston Villa.
The home side went behind against the run of play when Christian Benteke arrowed a shot in off the post.

Benteke's backheel set up Andreas Weimann for Villa's second, before the Reds were denied a penalty when Ciaran Clark pulled Daniel Agger's shirt.
Benteke made it three from close range for a resurgent Villa before Steven Gerrard netted a late consolation goal.
It was a second defeat in 12 games for Liverpool and will serve as a reality check to their growing levels of optimism and expectancy that they might be able to launch an assault on the Champions League places.

- BBC.co.uk