Sulky striker Mario Balotelli almost managed a smile on Tuesday as he hit a hat-trick, including two penalties, to help Manchester City beat Aston Villa 4-0 and take his side to the top of the Premier League. The 20-year-old Italian, told by his manager to cheer up after a moody first six months at the club, struck twice from the spot and tapped in a rebound, with Joleon Lescott also on target in a one-sided Eastlands stroll against a woeful Villa side.
Having missed their chance eight days ago when they lost at home to Everton, City now top the standings with 38 points. Arsenal, in action at Wigan Athletic on Wednesday, have 35 with Tottenham Hotspur climbing into fourth on 33 after beating Newcastle United 2-0 despite having a man sent off for the second game in a row. Champions Chelsea, beaten by Arsenal on Monday and also playing on Wednesday, slip to fifth on 31. Sunderland's unbeaten home record ended when irrepressible Blackpool triumphed 2-0 at the Stadium of Light while Fulham's rapid slide down the table ended with a 2-0 win at Stoke City.