Mario Balotelli gave Manchester City fans something to smile about — and even cracked a grin himself — as his hat trick helped City to a comfortable 4-0 win that puts them joint Premier League leaders.

English media reports have suggested that Balotelli wants to leave City after failing to settle in Manchester but he was made to feel at home by the Aston Villa defence yesterday.

City, who could even afford to rest topscorer Carlos Tevez, were ahead in the eigth minute through a Balotelli penalty before Joleon Lescott’s header doubled the lead in the 13th. Balotelli then notched his second with less than half-an-hour gone after good play from the excellent David Silva.

Balotelli’s third again came from the penalty spot to leave struggling Villa just two points above the relegation zone.

City dominated the early exchanges and went ahead when Eric Lichaj bundled Balotelli to the ground after the striker had latched on to Silva’s through ball. Balotelli was quickly up on his feet to coolly slot the penalty past Brad Friedel, sending the American ‘keeper the wrong way.

Less than five minutes later, Yaya Toure had a shot deflected wide after being played in by another Silva pass and from the resultant corner it was 2-0 to City.

Adam Johnson’s cross found Lescott just outside the six-yard box and his header was adjudged to have crossed the goal line despite Barry Bannan’s attempted clearance.

And City scored their third, Balotelli poking home the loose ball after Silva had exchanged passes with Toure inside the area and fired a low shot that Friedel could only palm across the face of goal.

After the break, Friedel saved from Patrick Vieira’s half volley before Johnson was tripped by Albrighton to hand Balotelli the chance to complete his hat-trick, which he did by again calmly deceiving Friedel from 12 yards.

Lee Bowyer struck a controversial 90th-minute goal to earn Birmingham a draw against a Manchester United who moved back to the top of the Premier League.

United had taken the lead when Dimitar Berbatov’s clever flick released Darron Gibson and, when found with a return pass, the striker drove in a shot.

An 18-yard Berbatov strike also hit the post before the late drama.

A Roger Johnson cross appeared to hit Nikola Zigic’s arm before Bowyer stole in to slide home an equaliser.

Tottenham overcame Younes Kaboul’s sending off to secure a 2-0 victory over Newcastle and provisionally dislodge Chelsea from the Premier League’s top four.

Kaboul was dismissed for an attempted headbutt on Cheick Tiote in 65th minute shortly after Aaron Lennon had put Spurs in front.

Despite Newcastle enjoying a man-advantage, Gareth Bale completed a speedy counterattack in the 81st to extend Tottenham’s lead.

Not only did it complete a second successive victory for Spurs in the league, where they are unbeaten in their last eight matches, but it came two days after also defeating Aston Villa with 10 men.

D.J. Campbell’s two second-half goals gave Blackpool a 2-0 win to end Sunderland’s undefeated home record in the Premier League this season.

It was Blackpool’s fifth away league victory since being promoted this season, having won only twice at home by comparison.

Campbell, who had previously played under Sunderland coach Steve Bruce at Birmingham, struck a volley in the 52nd minute at the Stadium of Light to punish the hosts for missing numerous chances.

The forward added a second goal from substitute Matt Phillips’ cross in the final seconds to seal the victory.

Chris Baird’s early double allowed Fulham to end their dreadful run of away results in the Premier League with a much-needed 2-0 victory at Stoke.

The Northern Ireland defender, who hadn’t previously scored for Fulham, found the net with long-range strikes in the fourth and 10th minutes to ease the pressure on manager Mark Hughes, whose side started the match in the relegation zone.

Nikola Kalinic scored two goals before being sent off as Blackburn beat West Bromwich Albion 3-1 to give new manager Steve Kean his first victory in the Premier League.

Kalinic twice gave Blackburn the lead at The Hawthorns before being dismissed for a robust challenge on Paul Scharner shortly after Mame Biram Diouf added a third goal.

The Baggies had gone level midway in the first half when Jerome Thomas cancelled out Kalinic’s first goal in the 17th minute, but then had Gabriel Tamas also sent off late on.

Relegation-threatened West Ham took their unbeaten run in the Premier League to three matches by picking up a point from a 1-1 draw with Everton.

An own goal by Tony Hibbert in the 16th minute gave the Hammers a fortuitous lead but Seamus Coleman volleyed in an inch-perfect cross from Australia midfielder Tim Cahill to draw midtable Everton level three minutes before half time.

There were few clearcut chances in a low-quality second half at Upton Park but it was another solid display by West Ham, who have improved in recent weeks to lift some of the pressure on manager Avram Grant.