Manchester City's EPL title defence in tatters; Chelsea back on track - Herald Sun

Petr Cech of Chelsea dives to make a save during the Premier League clash with Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge. Picture: Laurence Griffiths Source: Getty Images

QUEENS Park Rangers' hopes of survival in the Premier League have taken another blow as they were beaten 4-1 at Swansea City.

Two goals from Michu and one each from Angel Rangel and Pablo Hernandez gave Swansea victory, moving them to seventh and leaving QPR bottom and six points away from safety with 12 games to go.

Chelsea stayed ahead of Tottenham and Arsenal in the race for third place as they beat Wigan 4-1 through goals by Ramires, Eden Hazard, Frank Lampard and Marko Marin.

Gareth Bale scored both goals as Tottenham stayed one point behind Chelsea in fourth thanks to a 2-1 win over Newcastle.

The Wales midfielder put Spurs in front with a brilliant free kick after just five minutes but Newcastle equalised 20 minutes later through Yoan Gouffran.

Chelsea's Fernando Torres, right, jumps for the ball with Wigan Athletic's Antolin Alcaraz in the English Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. Picture: Alastair Grant Source: AP

Gouffran then had to go off with a nasty shin injury and Bale won it for Tottenham with a cool finish 12 minutes from time.

"It was a great individual performance and it was outstanding to see a player enjoying his football," Tottenham manager Andre Villas Boas said of Bale.

"Gareth is, whatever position he plays. Great teams are made of great individuals too and Gareth is decisive. I am happy for him."

Arsenal survived the sending off of Carl Jenkinson half an hour from time to win 1-0 at Sunderland, Santi Cazorla getting the goal 10 minutes before half-time to keep them within four points of Spurs.

Arsenal's Santi Cazorla celebrates scoring the opening goal in the English Premier League match against Sunderland at The Stadium Of Light. Picture: Andrew Yates Source: AFP

Stoke City beat Reading 2-1 to climb to 10th place while Norwich City and Fulham drew 0-0 in the other match.

With leaders Manchester United not in action until Sunday, Manchester City could cut the gap at the top to six points if they win at Southampton in the day's late match.