RVP ends goal drought as United see off Stoke
Robin van Persie ended his goal drought as Manchester United restored their 15-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 win over Stoke.
Van Persie had gone 10 domestic matches without scoring but won and then converted a penalty in the 66th minute to make the points safe.
Michael Carrick had opened the scoring inside four minutes and United now need only seven points from their remaining six games to ensure they cannot be caught by Manchester City.
Stoke dropped to 16th before kick-off after Sunderland's win over Newcastle and, having taken only one point from their last seven games, are looking below them with ever increasing concern.
Paolo Di Canio launched his Tyne-Wear derby career in spectacular style as Sunderland blasted their way past Newcastle 3-0 to ease their relegation fears.
The Black Cats, who arrived on Tyneside without a win in nine Barclays Premier League games, were simply too good for their hosts, who were never able to muster the intensity they needed to deny their neighbours the points.
Stephane Sessegnon blasted the visitors into a first-half lead and stunning strikes by Adam Johnson and substitute David Vaughan after the break ensured there was no way back for Alan Pardew's men, who are now only two points better off than their derby rivals.
Di Canio dropped to his knees in celebration on the sidelines when Johnson's 74th-minute effort hit the back of the net, and it was the travelling fans among a crowd of 52,355 making all the noise as Sunderland won at St James' Park for the first time since November 2000.
A total of 27 football fans have been arrested and three police officers injured after violence erupted following the Tyne-Wear derby.
Missiles were thrown at police as a group of Newcastle fans tried to confront Sunderland supporters in Central Station, Newcastle, after the home side's 3-0 defeat at St James' Park.
One officer was taken to hospital for treatment, Northumbria Police said.
The violence erupted after crowd trouble marred Saturday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
A total of 14 men were arrested after Millwall fans began fighting with each other during the second half of their 2-0 defeat by Wigan, in disturbing scenes which left youngsters in tears and were witnessed by millions on television.
Scotland Yard said 12 of those held were Millwall supporters and two Wigan fans.
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