Man City professional whilst alarming Newcastle slump continues

Another exhilarating day of Premier League action reaped 25 goals from just seven matches on Saturday, with a single goalless draw failing to materialise.

And whilst Manchester City were professional in besting Fulham 2-0 to keep the pressure on leaders Manchester United, it is at the other end of the table where the pressure is really beginning to mount.

Newcastle are a club fast descending into a relegation scrap, and their surrender of a one goal lead at home to Reading has done nothing to ease supporter worries.

Adam Le Fondre’s brace condemned the Magpies to a fifth defeat in their last six, and means that the St. James’s Park outfit are just two points clear of the drop zone.

Alan Pardew’s substitutions were booed by disgruntled Geordie fans, who expect a big improvement, and fast.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa claimed a valuable point to take them a point adrift of the bottom three, but they will be disappointed to leave the Hawthorns with only a draw.

The Villains had raced into a two-goal lead by half-time, but West Brom hit back through Chris Brunt and Peter Odemwingie, to cancel out Christain Benteke and Gabby Agbonlahor’s strikes.

A Steven Fletcher double helped ease any lingering relegation fears at Sunderland meanwhile, with the Black Cats claiming a 3-2 victory at the DW Stadium.

The result leaves hosts Wigan in 19th place, with 19 points from 23 games.

The Latics are, at least, four points above basement club QPR, for whom record signing Loic Remy made an instant impact.

The French international fired the Rs ahead at West Ham, before his effort was cancelled out by Joe Cole’s first goal since returning to Upton Park, ensuring a 1-1 stalemate resulted.

Swansea continued to impress ahead of their Capital One Cup semi-final second leg this week meanwhile, besting Stoke 3-1 at the Liberty Stadium.

Michael Owen hit the consolation goal for the Potters, whilst his old club were on top form at Anfield, as they again recorded a one-sided result opposing Norwich.

Luis Suarez added to Jordan Henderson’s opener for the Reds, before Daniel Sturridge made it three goals in three since his move from Chelsea.

And a trademark Steven Gerrard drive preluded a Ryan Bennett own goal to complete a 5-0 rout for Brendan Rodgers’ side, who are up to seventh after winning three of their last four.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.