The result saw United move on to 63 points and climb above Chelsea into top spot, although Carlo Ancelotti's side have a game in hand as they take a break from Premier League action to take on Stoke in the FA Cup on Sunday.

CNN: United reclaim Premier League top spot

Among the various measures that have been proposed by Mr Abe, has been the call for Japan's central bank to take measures to stoke inflation in the country.

BBC: Japan markets boosted by central bank nominee reports

Pulis will take great pride from a victory which ensures Stoke are still unbeaten in 2010, with eight points from four league games and FA Cup wins over York and Arsenal.

BBC: Stoke 3-0 Blackburn

Beattie said the manner of the defeat in his first game as Stoke player was hard to take.

BBC: Beattie suited to life at Stoke

Villa tried to take the sting out of Stoke by keeping possession but the Potters were relentless in hounding them down.

BBC: Stoke 3-2 Aston Villa

But the immediate effect of the change in the law has been to stoke worries that inflation will take off, putting pressure on the peso (see chart).

ECONOMIST: Rootling around for cash