Man Utd pile up title pressure

Robin van Persie wheels away after scoring Manchester United's 

second goal in the 4-0 win over Wigan.

Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez began 2013 as they ended the old year by grabbing two goals apiece as Manchester United won 4-0 at Wigan Tuesday to stay top of the English Premier League by seven points.

Mexico's Hernandez, taking his share of responsibility in the absence of the injured Wayne Rooney, grabbed the opener and the third for United at the DW Stadium.

Van Persie, the key summer signing for United, made it 19 for the season for his new side, with 16 coming in the EPL, the leading tally.

Defending champions Manchester City kept pace with a 3-0 home win over Stoke City, with Pablo Zabaleta, Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero on target against a team who had been on a 10-match unbeaten run.

But Argentina's Aguero limped off with a hamstring injury after converting a second half penalty. He is likely to be sidelined for about two weeks, said the club.

Tottenham Hotspur continued their recent strong run with a 3-1 home win over struggling Reading.

Arsenal, who hit seven at home to Newcastle last Saturday, could not repeat the magic at Southampton where they were held 1-1 in the late kick off.