Reigning champions City thrashed in Manchester derby

Manchester United ended a four-match losing run against Manchester City in style, beating their fierce rivals 4-2 in the Premier League.

United’s sixth straight league win came despite the soon-to-be-deposed champions going ahead through Sergio Aguero’s eighth-minute opener.

Ashley Young and Marouane Fellaini scored to put United ahead at half-time, before goals by Juan Mata and Chris Smalling in a seven-minute span midway through the second half.

Aguero grabbed a late consolation for City.

City have now lost six of their last eight matches in a dreadful 2015 and now sit fourth, 12 points behind leaders Chelsea.

Fabregas rescuses Chelsea

Earlier, Cesc Fabregas scored an 88th-minute winner as Chelsea extended their lead to seven points with an unconvincing 1-0 win against a spirited QPR.

Spain international Fabregas, criticised for his drop in form since Christmas, burst into the box before dispatching Eden Hazard’s lay-off to seal an undeserved victory in the west London derby.

QPR, embroiled in relegation battle, were the more dangerous team throughout and created a number of chances but were thwarted by visiting goal-keeper Thibault Courtois.

Chelsea dominated possession but, in the absence of injured forwards Diego Costa and Loic Remy, failed to register a shot on target before Fabregas’s intervention.

Chelsea have 73 points from 31 games but have a game in hand of second-placed Arsenal, whom they play on April 26.

QPR remain 18th, two points behind Hull City – the side immediately above the relegation zone.

Results:

QPR 0-1 Chelsea

Manchester United 4-2 Manchester City