Owen, Schmeichel & more: Twitter reacts as Man Utd stretch their lead

Shinji Kagawa joined Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund this summer Back Page Images

Shinji Kagawa’s hat-trick helped Manchester United extend their lead to 15 points over second-placed Manchester City after a 4-0 win against Norwich City at Old Trafford.

Elsewhere, Queens Park Rangers gave Harry Redknapp the perfect 66th birthday present with a 2-1 win at Southampton and Everton kept their pursuit of a top-four finish on track with a 3-1 victory over Reading.

Here is the best of the Twitter reaction, in chronological order, to a hectic afternoon of Premier League action.

United defender Rio Ferdinand ‏(@rioferdy5) lavishes praise on his Japanese team-mate: “#KagawaHattrick lovely! First Asian player to score a hat-trick in the EPL……”

It sparks debate with former Red Devils goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel (‏@Pschmeichel1): “RT ‘@rioferdy5: #KagawaHattrick 1st Asian player to score a hat-trick in the EPL……’ No Asian player has ever scored two goals in a game..!! Ok guys I surrender. Park scored two versus Wolves December 2010…!! I watched the match today on DK TV, and the stat came from there.”

Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann ‏(@DietmarHamann) reckons QPR have stolen the headlines on Saturday: “Result of the day has got to be QPR’s win at Southampton, gives them a fighting chance. The bonding trip must have worked. Well done Harry.”

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes ‏(@tonyfernandes) is full of praise for his side: “Anyone who doubted Park Ji-Sung. I never did. He is and always will be class. All of our team today played like lions. You can’t believe how happy I am. Thank you to all the players who played like lions. Thank you @jayboothroyd for keep saying you can help and to my Fifa parter @loicremy.”

Hoops goalkeeper Robert Green (‏@Robert1Green) produced a key save: “Wonderful support in numbers and voice, great to be back out there and delighted to get the three points.”

QPR centre-half Chris Samba (‏@cs4christsamba1) hails the victory: “Big win well needed and well deserved. Want to say thanks to the travelling fans, the support was great, we can still do it.”

Everton’s Shane Duffy ‏(@ShaneDuffy34) is delighted to beat Reading: “Well done lads!! Great win, now on to big game next week against Wigan. #COYB”

Reading striker Adam Le Fondre ‏(@A1F1E9) says sorry to Everton defender Phil Jagielka after causing the defender’s injury: “Fans were brilliant today! Shame about result! Everton were class! Thoughts with jags never meant to catch him, caught him late and apologised.”

Swansea’s Wayne Routledge (@WayneRoutledge) is glad to see the Swans reach the magical 40-point mark: “Enjoy your weekends people!!! #40”

His captain Ashley Williams (‏@AshWills840) is glad to continue their winning run: “Massive three points today! Important that we moved on from last weekend! Need to finish the season strong!”

West Ham striker Andy Carroll ‏(@AndyTCarroll) praises his team-mates: “Unreal shift from the lads to get three points!!”

Stoke’s Michael Owen ‏(@themichaelowen) comments on a rare off-day for the Potters at home: “Disappointing result today. Not often we get beat at The Britannia.”

Finally, Asmir Begovic (‏@asmir1) felt Stoke were hard done by: “I don’t think we deserved to get beat today, but we have to stick together and keep working hard. #potternation”