Southampton moved seven points clear of the relegation zone, with Aston Villa just a point behind them after a crucial day's action in the Premier League.

Aston Villa beat QPR 3-2 thanks to goals from Gabriel Agbonlahor, Andreas Weimann and Christian Benteke. The result leaves Harry Redknapp's side bottom, now seven points from safety with just eight games to go.

Liverpool were beaten 3-1 by Southampton.

Morgan Schneiderlin and Rickie Lambert put the Saints 2 - 0 up before Philippe Coutinho threw his side a lifeline.

However, it proved to be nothing more than a consolation after Jay Rodriguez put the contest beyond doubt.

In the other two afternoon kick-offs, Arsenal beat Swansea 2-0 thanks to goals from Nacho Monreal and a late strike from Gervinho. The win puts Arsene Wenger's side just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

And it finished scoreless between Stoke and West Brom at the Britannia.