Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez’s last-minute goal earned a 4-3 victory over Newcastle United to open up a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League on Wednesday after champions Manchester City lost 1-0 at Sunderland.

United went behind after four minutes to a James Perch goal and trailed three times but goals from Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra and Robin van Persie hauled them level before Hernandez raced on to Michael’s Carrick’s pass to clinch a thrilling victory.

Former Manchester City winger Adam Johnson grabbed Sunderland’s winner in the second half to leave City only four points above Chelsea who won 1-0 at Norwich City thanks to a superb strike by Juan Mata.

With half the season gone United, who have already scored 48 goals, have 46 points with City on 39 and Chelsea, who have a game in hand, on 35.In the race for the fourth place Everton nudged ahead with a 2-1 win over struggling Wigan Athletic at Goodison Park where Everton’s Phil Neville made his 500th Premier League appearance.

West Bromwich Albion continued to impress with a 2-1 victory at Queens Park Rangers in a match delayed after West Brom’s coach was late arriving at Loftus Road.

Harry Redknapp’s QPR sunk back to the bottom of the table with a mere 10 points after Reading jumped above them on goal difference with a 0-0 draw at home to Swansea City.Fulham drew 1-1 with visiting Southampton who remain just above the bottom three.

The Boxing Day programme is completed later with Aston Villa trying to bounce back from an 8-0 drubbing by Chelsea at home to Tottenham Hotspur and Stoke City hosting Liverpool.