Premier League: Saturday's matches - in pictures

At Old Trafford there was a real sense of Christmas, especially when a robin popped onto the pitch Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images

And he wasn't the only one ... Robin van Persie scored the opener as United saw off Sunderland 3-1 Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images

Tom Cleverley made it 2-0 in the 19th minute before a Wayne Rooney tap-in gave United a three goal advantage shortly before the hour mark. Sunderland substitute Frazier Campbell headed a 72nd minute consolation for the visitors. Final score: 3-1 Photograph: Clive Mason/Getty Images

At Anfield, Liverpool looked dominant until in-form Villa striker Christian Benteke rattled a shot in off the post in the 29th minute Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Benteke then teed up Andreas Weimann with a neat back-heel to give the visitors a shock 2-0 lead before the break Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

Luis Suárez looked angry as hell as his side faltered in the second half. A close-range strike for Benteke gave a youthful Villa side a three goal advantage, and meant Steven Gerrard's 87th minute header was academic. Final score: 1-3 Photograph: Craig Brough/Action Images

A sky blue flare was thrown at the Newcastle United fans by a Manchester City supporter seated above them as the champions played at St James Park Photograph: Ed Sykes/Action Images

Yaya Touré's 78th minute goal ended Newcastle's hopes of a comeback. Sergio Aguero and Javier Garcia had given Man City a first half lead before Demba Ba pulled one back with a header in the 51st minute. Final score: 1-3 Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images

Queens Park Rangers faced Fulham at Loftus Road with the hosts still hunting their first league win of the season after 16 failed attempts. Adel Taarabt was instrumental as Rangers eyed glory – the Moroccan scored twice, first with a deflected long range effort and then with a superb run and finish Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Action Images

Rangers held on to victory despite Mladen Petric's late goal for Fulham. Final score: 2-1 Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Action Images

Wes Hoolahan led Norwich to their 10th game unbeaten as he made one goal and scored another (pictured) in victory over Wigan Photograph: Alan Walter/Action Images

After Anthony Pilkington's near post opener for Norwich, Shaun Maloney had scored this long range strike for Wigan. But Hoolahan's winning header has left Wigan rooted in the relegation places. Final score: 2-1 Photograph: John Sibley/Action Images

Everton and Stoke played out a 1-1 draw at the Britannia Stadium with the Toffees taking the lead through a Ryan Shawcross own goal before Kenwyne Jones equalised Photograph: Andrew Boyers/Action Images

Marouane Fellaini was involved in a series of clashes with Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross and ought to have been sent off for a clear headbutt which was missed by the match officials. Final score: 1-1 Photograph: Andrew Boyers/Action Images