Manchester City have moved up to second place in the English Premier League football competition with a 3-1 win over relegation-threatened West Ham to put them level on points with leaders Arsenal.
Strikes from Yaya Toure, Adam Johnson and a Robert Green own goal secured three precious points for Roberto Mancini's men, who now trail Arsenal by goal difference only ahead of the Gunners' visit to Manchester United on Tuesday.
The defeat left the Hammers bottom on goal difference, four points adrift of safety.
Reigning champions Chelsea will reclaim top spot if they beat Tottenham in their visit to White Hart Lane on Monday.
Elsewhere Aston Villa beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 in their derby clash at Villa Park, Stoke City lost 1-nil to visitors Blackpool while Fulham and Sunderland and Everton and Wigan both played out scoreless draws.
Newcastle United came back to beat Liverpool 3-1 to get new manager Alan Pardew's reign off to a dream start.
Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton and striker Andy Carroll scored in the last 10 minutes as the Magpies beat the Reds in front of the home fans in the late game.
