A Sergio Aguero hat-trick moved Manchester City closer to securing Champions League football next season with victory at 10-man Chelsea.
City profited from slick break-aways, the first goal arriving when Kevin De Bruyne fed Aguero, who fired in.
Again De Bruyne led a clinical counter after the break, finding Samir Nasri, who put Aguero clear to finish smartly.
Thibaut Courtois was sent off for fouling Fernandinho, allowing Aguero to whip home his third from the spot.
Chelsea threatened occasionally before the goals but faded and City move third, a point ahead of Arsenal – who have a game in hand – and four clear of Manchester United.
When this fixture was scheduled last year, it seemed unthinkable that only one of these sides – the last two winners of the Premier League – would be battling for a top-four spot.
They have both underachieved, but City at least have targets as the season draws to a close and they were clearly sharper in west London, none more so than Aguero.
The Argentinian has now scored at least 20 goals in three Premier League seasons, a feat only achieved by Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Les Ferdinand.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa have been relegated to English football’s second tier for the first time since 1987 after defeat at Manchester United.
Marcus Rashford scored the only goal, sweeping Antonio Valencia’s cut-back through goalkeeper Brad Guzan’s legs.
Villa were second best for much of the game, though they did hit a post late on through Rudy Gestede’s volley.
It was a ninth straight loss for the visitors and left them 15 points from safety with only four matches left.
And Newcastle claimed a first win under Rafael Benitez as they overcame Swansea to bolster their chances of Premier League survival, reports the BBC.
Jamaal Lascelles headed in from a corner to put Newcastle in front towards the end of an edgy first half.
Ashley Williams and Jefferson Montero missed chances as the Swans dominated after the break, but Moussa Sissoko and Andros Townsend struck late goals.
Newcastle are now three points adrift of safety, while Swansea drop to 14th.
EPL RESULTS
Chelsea 0 – 3 Man City
Norwich 0 – 3 Sunderland
Everton 1 – 1 Southampton
Man United 1 – 0 Aston Villa
Newcastle 3 – 0 Swansea
West Brom 0 – 1 Watford
