Wednesday's football as it happened

Right, I'll leave you lucky UK users with a lovely midweek edition of Match of the Day which is streaming front and centre of the website with all the goals and goings-on from tonight and yesterday. Enjoy, and goodbye for now.

"Roberto Mancini hopes his words at Arsenal will come true. Never say never was his mantra. All they have to do is to win games and hope Manchester United slip up. City have done their bit and it was pretty comfortable for them as they blew West Bromwich Albion away at Etihad."

MOTD's Conor McNamara at Loftus Road: "Swansea can have few complaints about the outcome after QPR gave themselves a fighting chance of avoiding relegation with a fine performance."

"Another victory for Arsenal takes a giant stride to a Champions League place. Wolves and Terry Connor deserve some sympathy but they also look all but doomed."

"After 14 games against United, and 14 defeats, Wigan produce a rousing display to climb out of the bottom three for the first time since September. They deserved it as well."

Let's get a run-down on our match reporters' final thoughts to polish off an entertaining evening.

Former Manchester City manager Joe Royle on BBC Radio 5 live after an important night in the top-flight: "I don't think it's been a vintage season in the Premier League but it's been exciting because of it."

The quality may not have been at the level that it has been in previous years, but there have been a superb storylines. The Manchester clubs tussling at the top, Tottenham's fast start to the season, Arsenal's strong finish to it, Newcastle on the rise, Liverpool and Chelsea struggling to produce results that their spending demands while Norwich, Swansea and QPR have attacked the top flight in different ways. I've thoroughly enjoyed this season.

Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers after his team's 3-0 defeat at QPR: "I can only apologise to our supporters. I have never had to do that before but we were poor. What I have said to the players is that we're not mathematically safe. We need to regroup and if we can do that then it will have been an iconic season for us."

QPR manager Mark Hughes after his team's impressive 3-0 win over Swansea: "We have to take care of our own business and if we play like we did this evening, and the way we have played in recent weeks, then I'm convinced we will be fine."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on whether his team's turnaround in form this season is one of his best triumphs: "Maybe yes. Considering where we were, we have improved a lot. But the spirit was always good and we were cautious because we have suffered a bit this year and it keeps our feet on the ground."

The Gunners were 10 points behind Tottenham before the north London derby on 26 February. They are now five points ahead of Spurs in third.

West Brom manager Roy Hodgson after his side's 4-0 defeat by Manchester City: "It's disappointing to lose by four goals. That doesn't happen often. But we were beaten by a better team.

It was a very dominant performance by Man City and we were always fighting to get in the game."

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: "Figueroa did handle it and the thing is that if he'd been close to the ball then you can say that you won't get those, but he was at least 15 yards away. It's a clear penalty.

"That's disappointing but sometimes you get the breaks and sometimes you don't - it evens itself out over the season.

"We had a break on Sunday. You say the big clubs get the decisions, but we didn't get anything. Phil Dowd had a disappointing night, he never got to grip with it.

"But that doesn't subtract from the fact that we were poor, we only had one shot on target and we were second to every ball.

"You have to recognise that Wigan are in a false position, they play some of the best football in the league you have to credit them for that."

"You wish the lead was better but considering where we were a few months ago you have to take it. I said both teams would drop points and you are always going to drop some."

Wolves boss Terry Connor on Sebastien Bassong's red card: "The penalty turns the game on its head. Once it's a penalty and a red card, it's very much an uphill battle. If there was intent to pull him down then it's a red card and a penalty, but it was tangle of legs. It was very harsh I think.

Not a lot of rage behind those complaints from Connor. He had a bit of a thousand-mile stare on him as he delivered his post-match thoughts. Resigned to the drop? Plan B of preparing for life in the second tier is rapidly becoming Plan A.

"This was very close to the Manchester City from earlier in the season. Sometimes managers fall on to systems when they have injuries or suspensions. And tonight with Tevez and Aguero playing together, with two wide players in Nasri and Silva, there was no answer from West Brom."

Sir Alex Ferguson is just fronting up to the television cameras and is in remarkably philosophical mood. He must have taken his irritation out on those in the away dressing room already. Quotes to come.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez: "The most pleasing aspect is that the win was nothing lucky. In our history we've never taken a point from United and we restricted them to one shot on target.

"It would be foolish to think we are out of the bottom three and we will stay there."

On reports that he will leave the club in the summer:

"Not at all. Sometimes you need to find out where the rumours come from. At this crucial time of the season it would be very unfair to look into that. I agreed a new long term contract in the summer. It's never been changed and we will let nothing distract us."

Roberto Mancini thinks the title race is still over does he? I hate to bring the phrase up, but I think that comment will be filed firmly under "mind games" by the papers in the morning.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini: "The title race is finished because United is a fantastic team and they have a fantastic spirit. I think five points is too much.

I think it is important for us to finish the season well. This is the best season for 50 years. I am proud of the players.

It was important because I think West Brom are a good team with a good manager and for that reason it was difficult.

I'm happy for him [Tevez] and his performance. He is not ready to play one game. He played 60 minutes. He can improve in the last five games."

"The Great Escape" echoes around The DW Stadium after Wigan beat Manchester United. "Don't Stop Believing" might be going on the tannoy at Manchester City.

A five-point swing in goal difference tonight means second-placed Manchester City have leapfrogged the leaders in that column and have a three-goal advantage heading into the home stretch.

Blackburn's inability to put away a reeling 10-man Liverpool side last night looks even more costly in the light of tonight's results. Rovers, level with both Wigan and QPR before the start of play, see both pull away and are joined by Bolton in the drop zone. Five games left to pull it back...

Fourth official Mike Dean has been handed the linesman's flag after Peter Kirkup pulled up injured. Not a lot else of interest to report at Loftus Road with the game petering out and the home fans cheering their side's every touch.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan on BBC Radio 5 live after his side's priceless victory over Manchester United: "I thought first half we totally and utterly dominated United. In the second half they were having a real go at us. But our lads fought to the death. On my way to the match I thought our luck had to change sometime against United. We've got it tonight and we deserve it."

The digital clock at the DW Stadium shows that there were a sum total of nine minutes 41 seconds of injury time. Despite all that, United could not mount one of those trademark irresistible sieges of the Wigan goal. Plenty of possession, but no killer punch from the visitors.

"The pressure may come back on Manchester City after tonight. Can they cope with that?"

Hugs and pumping fists at the DW Stadium as Wigan climb out of the bottom three for the first time since September. Pretty similar scenes at the Etihad where a decent number of fans have hung around to see the result pop up on the big screens. Five points the difference at the top, with the Manchester derby to come on 30 April. Could they? Really?

Wolves' Nenad Milijas brings a save out of Wojciech Szczesny, but it is all too little, too late...

Roberto Martinez is making a Harry Enfield-esque 'calm down' gesture to his team as the clock ticks past 90. His face tells a bit of a different story...

As things stands, the gap at the top between leaders Manchester United and Manchester City will be down to five points, while Wigan and QPR will both be clear of the relegation zone. Bolton, Blackburn and Wolves are set to occupy the bottom three spots.

Referee Neil Swarbrick looks to have got a decision spot on at Molineux, keeping schtum as Nenad Milijas slides in on Aaron Ramsey. Further inspection suggests the Serbian got a faint flick on the ball.

Victor Moses has twice come close to doubling the lead for Wigan, first forcing a decent save from David de Gea before dragging a shot narrowly wide from a tight angle. Six minutes of injury time to go at the DW. Buckle in.

It's all gone a bit quiet at the Etihad - and I suspect that, with this game won, City fans are now listening out for news of goals from the DW Stadium. We have already had one 'false alarm' of a second Wigan goal, which had home supporters here doing the Poznan. Mind you, City also scored twice more in quick succession so there was a lot of celebrating going on. The Baggies have had a couple of sniffs since but Roberto Mancini's men remain well on top.

On at least one occassion, a rumour has swept the Etihad suggesting United had fallen further behind. Sadly for those City fans, the truth is that their rivals are cranking up the pressure in search of an equaliser at the DW Stadium.

Manchester United are in referee Phil Dowd's ear in the hope of getting a penalty, but there is nothing doing. It looked a decent shout as well with Maynor Figueroa getting in a tangle attempting to clear Phil Jones's cross and the ball thumping into an outstretched arm. Sir Alex Ferguson looks on bemused from the touchline.

"Tevez has been forgiven, as we always knew he would be. He couldn't really miss there - it was a fabulous pass from Aguero. Manchester City are looking for more goals - goal difference may be hugely important."

Another moment of controversy for referee Phil Dowd. United defender Jonny Evans - who was booked in the first half - catches goalscorer Shaun Maloney with a late challenge which could easily be another caution. Nothing given.

Kevin Doyle comes close to pulling a goal back for Wolves but his header across goal is superbly saved in the Arsenal goal by Wojciech Szczesny.

Manchester United have looked complacent and off the pace from the first whistle. Will Shaun Maloney's goal wake them up?

There is a real buzz about the Etihad now, with news that Manchester United are behind swiftly followed by Sergio Aguero putting their side 2-0 up. Wigan's goal meant Blues fans were making a right racket even before Aguero finished off a fine passing move and they have hardly sat down or shut up since.

United look like they felt the rough side of Lady Luck on that opener after a bit of fortune against QPR at the weekend. Wigan's Jean Beausejour certainly seemed to get the final touch as he tussled with Phil Jones and the ball headed over the byeline.

Former Manchester City boss Joe Royle, who signed QPR goalscorer Joey Barton as a teenager for the Blues, on BBC Radio 5 live: "He is a far better player than he is given credit for because of his past. There are lesser players then him who have played for England I think."

David Silva, who has been a little quiet in the opening half, snakes his way down the left flank and flips over a decent deep cross. Samir Nasri slashes a boot at it, but his volley ripples the wrong side of the net from a City point of view.

BBC Match of the Day's Conor McNamara: "It's been a nervy night at Loftus Road but Joey Barton has scored at the perfect time to give the home side the lead. How will Swansea respond?"

Perhaps just worth pointing out how things stand at the bottom right now. Wolves are in massive trouble, seven points from safety, but Wigan and QPR are currently both outside the bottom three, on goal difference from Bolton.

News of Manchester United's first-half let off at Wigan reaches the City fans in front of me. They can afford a wry smile as they talk about their neighbours being "jammy again" with the Latics having that goal disallowed but talk quickly changes to how the recent refereeing decisions going in favour of their title rivals has been "a disgrace". The same could arguably be said about some of City's recent performances too but Roberto Mancini's men are looking a lot more like their old selves here, and are good value for their lead at the break.

Just seen a replay of the goal that wasn't. You have to feel a little sorry for Victor Moses. The Wigan youngster is through a full knee slide and is posing arms aloft before he realises that his 'opener' is to be chalked off. To add insult, it looks like Manchester United's Jonny Evans has accidentally nudged Gary Caldwell into goalkeeper David de Gea to trigger the linesman's flag.

"Expect scenes of verbal carnage in the Manchester United dressing room at half-time. Sir Alex Ferguson literally hopping mad on occasions. Wigan excellent so far and furious with the decision to disallow Victor Moses' goal."

"Any hope of an upset at Molineux went west with Arsenal's two goals in 11 minutes. The Gunners are well in command, Wolves are despairing and heading for the relegation trap door."

"It has been a very agreeable first half for Man City thanks to Sergio Aguero. They have had to patient since because despite having the best of the game they have not been able to add to the lead. Shane Long is all on his own and starved of possession up front for West Brom."

Officials are getting their ear bent at both Molineux, where Neil Swarbrick departs to a chorus of boos, and the DW Stadium where Gary Caldwell is in animated discussion with linesman Dave Richardson. It looks to be a little bit one-sided though, as the assistant has the blinkers on, determinedly ignoring the Wigan defender.

First shot at the Wigan goal in about 20 minutes and it is ballooned wide and high by Wayne Rooney from the edge of the box. United have been pretty shabby in the first 45.

Carlos Tevez has not won over the whole of the Manchester City crowd by a long shot. Still a few whistles and jeers creeping in when he gets on the ball.

QPR skipper Joey Barton has just skied an effort high over the bar from the edge of the area soon after Jamie Mackie spurned a great chance to put the hosts ahead against Swansea. Someone needs to take this game by the scruff of the neck and add some much needed quality.

West Brom have managed to stem the flow of Manchester City attacks somewhat, breaking up the hosts' attacks and getting their foot on the ball. Mario Balotelli doesn't look like he is that enthralled by it all in the posh seats.

BBC Radio 5 live pundit, and former Liverpool midfielder, Jan Molby at Molineux: "Arsenal are in total control. They're just knocking the ball around and it's a case of saying to Wolves 'how fit are you and can you stay with us?' It's one-way traffic."

It's not been a good week for Wigan with officialdom. They were the victims of a late, offside winner against the Chelsea at the weekend which brought an apology from refs' chief Mike Riley.

There's not an awful lot going on at Loftus Road and the QPR fans are getting a little bit bored. They're taking their frustration out on the visitors, with chants of 'Boring, boring Swansea," heard around the ground.

BBC Radio 5 live pundit, and former Wigan midfielder, Kevin Kilbane at the DW Stadium: "Wigan have started this game so well and are not allowing Manchester United any time to get possession. When they do get the ball Wigan are rattling into the tackles."

"Wigan's players, management and fans furious after Victor Moses' goal was ruled out. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is visibly unhappy, to put it mildly, with his team's performance so far. Wigan have been much the better side."

West Brom's Keith Andrews has a shot from distance but a deflection off Joleon Lescott takes the sting out of it and play sweeps down the other end and Micah Richards comes close to doubling Manchester City's lead. Craig Dawson gets back to block on the line after the City defender had beaten keeper Ben Foster.

Sir Alex Ferguson has called Wayne Rooney to the touchline for a third time already in this match. After being sent away with his ears warmed on the first two occassions, it looks like the striker may have been given some tactical advice to pass on this time. United still labouring.

Decent start by the struggling hosts at Loftus Road as Akos Buzsaky flashes a volley narrowly wide of the Swansea post. Early promise for Mark Hughes, who knows his QPR side must win to ease the pressure at the bottom.

David Silva has a superb chance to make it 2-0 to Manchester City after being put through on goal by a superb Micah Richards pass but Ben Foster is quick off his line to ward off danger. City come again, though, and Sergio Aguero has a shot from close range saved by the West Brom keeper. West Brom yet to really threaten as the home side dominate.

Wolves almost had something to cheer in anger there as Christophe Berra nods wide, via a deflection off Johan Djourou, from the set-piece. Maybe the home fans will reconsider whether Terry Connor did get it right with that switch?

Big, ironic cheers from the home fans after Wolves win a corner at Molineux. It could be a long evening for them.

Lovely little link-up play between David Silva and Carlos Tevez as the latter flicks a backheel to the former but the angle for a shot is too acute and Ben Foster smothers Silva's effort with ease.

United have been well out of sorts so far, but click into gear to fashion a decent chance. Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick play a one-two which completely cuts the Wigan defence open, but Giggs's shot from the right of the area takes a deflection into the side netting. Wigan still well on top.

Mario Balotelli is in the building. The suspended striker is picked out by the cameras taking a keen interest in the buffet dinner in his executive box.

Sergio Aguero's early goal has certainly helped their mood but City fans are in good voice in the Manchester rain tonight, first showing their backing for their manager Roberto Mancini with some concerted chanting of the Italian's name, swiftly followed by a first rendition of 'We're not really here'. Those empty stands have largely filled up now, in case you were wondering, and City are well on top.

Carlos Tevez's first sight of goal. He is teed up by fellow Argentine striker Sergio Aguero on the edge of the area but slices his shot high and wide. City well on top at the Etihad.

It's been all Wigan at DW Stadium. They've been brilliant so far, and James McCarthy has gone close with a rasping drive from 25 yards which United keeper David de Gea has to turn over the top

"Aguero's goal wasn't exactly Hatem Ben Arfa (of Newcastle), but it was a very good goal indeed. But I think the defenders should have closed him down much, much quicker than they did."

Carlos Tevez neatly lays the ball off to David Silva via that barrel chest. Fans still trickling into the Etihad Stadium.

Steve Kean is at Loftus Road, notebook at the ready, with his Blackburn side facing Swansea at the weekend.

There has been a late change to the referee at the Etihad Stadium where Lee Mason, who gave the penalty against Shaun Derry at Old Trafford at the weekend, has been replaced by Kevin Friend. Family reasons behind the switch apparently.

Scarves unknotted at Molineux among the fans, definite British Summer Time feel to the footy at this time of year...

Ten minutes till the off in three out of tonight's four kick-off and the stands are still pretty sparsely populated at the Etihad Stadium. Is enthusiasm for this title scrap waning amongst the City faithful?

At the end of February Tottenham were sitting on a 10-point lead over Arsenal with boss Harry Redknapp looking to lord it over his side's neighbours in the big smoke. Now Arsenal fans are working out where the five wins they need to ensure another 'St Totteringham's Day' will come from. Wolves away is probably one they quite fancy...

As well as bragging rights in the north west, there is a bit of bother that needs ironing out in London town.

Roy Hodgson and Roberto Mancini are sharing a long conversation in the tunnel at the Etihad. The West Brom boss appears to be doing most of the talking, not that his Italian counterpart seems to mind. Whatever Roy is saying it's pretty funny.

"I think there are teams who believe they can win the league and those who know they can win the league. Manchester United are the latter. I don't think as a group City showed they have that. United are efficient when they have to be."

Prepare yourselves for some ropey maths and a leap of imagination. Manchester United could, in theory, move 11 points clear of Manchester City tonight. If the leaders maintained that lead, the first match they would start as 2011-12 champions would be at the Etihad Stadium on 30 April. Guard of honour anyone?

They are raring to go at Loftus Road. Team sheets have been submitted a full 45 minutes ahead of kick-off. Here they are...

BBC Radio 5 live pundit, and former Wigan midfielder, Kevin Kilbane at the DW Stadium: "Looking at the stats, there's no way there can be any other result than a Manchester United win. But Wigan have played with more confidence in recent weeks, especially at home, so they might fancy their chances. But realistically I cannot see anything other than an away win."

Let's have a little look at the other bits and pieces of team news from the Etihad and DW Stadiums then...

"Ominous dark clouds hovering over Loftus Road and that's just the weather in West London..."

"Manchester City's title bid might lie in tatters but Roberto Mancini uses his programme notes for tonight's game to promise Blues fans that his team are not giving up the fight. "Until the last week or so we did a fantastic job and we should continue to do a fantastic job for the last six games - it is important that we finish as strongly as we can," Mancini said. "I won one Serie A title with Inter Milan when we were five points behind, five games from the end. Everything can happen but clearly we need to start to win."

If there is half as much in the tonight's games as the one at Ewood Park yesterday, then we will be in for a busy one. It is a rare occurrence, but BBC 5 live commentator Alan Green was left a little lost for words amid the choas of Liverpool's late win over Blackburn. If you haven't already, have a little look at why the win meant so much to Liverpool subsitute goalkeeper Brad Jones, who was pressed into service following team-mate Doni's red card.

Carlitos is back in the City starting line-up then. Whatever his previous tantrums and travels this season, the Argentine loves leading a one-man fight against what seems inevitable. Remember that West Ham final-day escape in 2007?

It is a night to keep a beady eye on the 'as it stands' table to the right of this page, especially for those whose sides are staggering around dangerously close to that gaping trapdoor to the Championship.

None of your mid-table, end-of-term larkabouts tonight. There are only four games but each one of them could have big implications at the business ends of the table. By 2200 BST we will be a little closer to the outcome of the race for the title, for third place and away from the dreaded drop. This is the roll call:

Man City v West Brom (1945 BST)

Wigan v Man Utd (1945 BST)

Wolves v Arsenal (1945 BST)

QPR v Swansea (2000 BST)

The games just keep a'coming. They have been flashing past like dog years this Easter with tonight the last of six successive days of top-flight action. It is quite a little climax that the fixture computer has thrown up as well...