In pictures - Tuesday's Premier League action

Having professed himself to be the second most skilfull player in the world (behind only Lionel Messi), it was about time Manchester City's outspoken striker Mario Balotelli offered a degree of proof. Today he scored a hat-trick as City thrashed Aston Villa 4-0 Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

However, two of Balotelli's goals were penalties and the other, inbetween, was a mere tap in. Not the most glorious hat-trick, then Photograph: Carl Recine/Action Images

Meanwhile, the match between west Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers at the Hawthorns was a fiery affair. Nikola Kalinic scored for Blackburn after just three minutes ... Photograph: John Walton/EMPICS Sport

... before Jerome Thomas scarmbled home an equaliser for West Brom in the 17th minute Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Kalanic then headed Blackburn back in front in the 53rd minute from a simple set-piece move involving Morten Gamst Pedersen and Ryan Nelsen. And nine minutes later, Mame Diouf made it 3-1 with a stooping header Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

But a dreadful challenge on Paul Scharner saw Kalinic depart the field early. And he wasn't the only one - Gabriel Tamas was also sent off for Albion late on Photograph: Lee Mills/Action Images

Over at White Hart Lane, Tottenham were already a goal to the good (and a man down) when Gareth Bale produced another mesmeric run and finish in the 81st minute to help defeat Newcastle 2-0 Photograph: Paul Childs/Action Images

Earlier in the half, Younes Kaboul was the man dismissed for Spurs. And deservedly so. The Tottenham defender angrily squared up to Newcastle's Cheik Tiote following a poor challenge and thrust his head towards his opponent's face Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

Blackpool's goalkeeper Richard Kingson was unbeatable at the Stadium of Light where Sunderland hosted the Seasiders ... Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images

But his opposite number was beaten twice - both times by DJ Campbell - as Blackpool earned their fifth away win of the season Photograph: Scott Heppell/AP

Campbell scored in the 50th and 90th minutes Photograph: Scott Heppell/AP

Not known for his scoring prowess, Fulham's Chris Baird grabbed a brace as his side won 2-0 at Stoke. His two pile-drivers were both scored in the opening 10 minutes Photograph: John Clifton/Action Images

West Ham took the lead against Everton at Upton Park as Avram Grant's side attempted to dig themselves out of the relegation zone. A weak overhead kick from Radoslav Kovac which was deflected in off Tony Hibbert somehow broke the deadlock Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images

But Everton responded before the half-time break when Seamus Coleman tapped in at the back post. 1-1 it ended Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images