Although Javier Hernandez also managed a smartly-taken double as Manchester United cruised past Wigan to preserve their seven-point lead at the top, it was Van Persie who stamped his class on proceedings.
His 18th goal of the season was one of his best, calmly stepping inside Ivan Ramis before firing into the corner with his supposedly weaker right-foot.
Man City 3 - 0 Stoke
Man Utd 4 - 0 Wigan
Swansea 2 - 2 Aston Villa
Tottenham 3 -1 Reading
West Ham 2 - 1 Norwich
Swansea 2 - 2 Aston Villa
Tottenham 3 -1 Reading
West Ham 2 - 1 Norwich