Rooney inspires United after banner protest
In a setback to their title hopes, Chelsea suffer shock 1-0 loss at the hands of Crystal Palace
Wayne Rooney inspired Manchester United to come from behind and beat Aston Villa 4-1 on Saturday in a game marked by fresh protests against United manager David Moyes.
A small plane towing an anti-Moyes banner flew over Old Trafford shortly after kick-off and the under-fire manager then saw his side fall behind to an Ashley Westwood free kick.
However, Rooney scored twice before half-time, with Juan Mata and Javier Hernandez adding further goals as the underperforming champions provisionally moved to within nine points of the Premier League's top four.
We know the manager has support from the players and the fans. It doesn't matter what is being said elsewhere
Chelsea's title hopes suffered a major blow when they lost to Crystal Palace for the first time since 1990 when captain John Terry scored an own goal to gift Palace a 1-0 victory.
The veteran centre back headed Joel Ward's cross past his own goalkeeper, Petr Cech, seven minutes into the second half at Selhurst Park.
England international trio Jay Rodriguez, Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana all scored to give Southampton a thumping 4-0 win against Newcastle United at St Mary's.
Cardiff City kept their hopes of avoiding relegation alive but drew West Bromwich Albion deeper into the dogfight at the foot of the table with a thrilling 3-3 draw at The Hawthorns.
Swansea City eased their own relegation fears by winning 3-0 at home to Norwich City, thanks to a first-half Jonathan De Guzman brace and a second-half Wayne Routledge strike. Peter Odemwingie gave Stoke City a 1-0 win over Hull City.
Rooney told the BBC: "It was a big game after the midweek defeat. We knew we had to respond and show what a good side we are. It was difficult after a slow start, but we came through it and it was a good victory.
On the "Moyes Out" banner, he said: "To be honest we made nothing of it. We know the manager has support from the players and the fans. It doesn't matter what is being said elsewhere."
The plane, chartered by a group of disgruntled fans, trailed a banner saying: "Wrong one - Moyes out."
It was a response to the pro-Moyes "The chosen one" banner that has adorned the Stretford End since the beginning of the season, but the man himself received a warm reception when he emerged before kick-off.
