LONDON (AFP) – Manchester City ended Newcastle’s unbeaten start to the season on Saturday with a 3-1 victory to open up an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League standings.

Goals from Mario Balotelli, Micah Richards and Sergio Aguero secured all three points for Roberto Mancini’s side, who have now won 11 of their 12 games this season.

Balotelli opened the scoring from the penalty spot on 41 minutes before Richards struck just before half-time to leave third-placed Newcastle in trouble.

Argentinian striker Aguero made it 3-0 on 72 minutes with another City penalty before Dan Gosling netted a consolation strike for Newcastle on 89 minutes.

Second-placed Manchester United can cut City’s lead to five points later Saturday if they win at newly promoted Swansea.

In other matches on Saturday, Robin van Persie scored twice as Arsenal came from behind to defeat Norwich 2-1 at Carrow Road to move up one spot to sixth place.

Van Persie took his goal tally for 2011 to a remarkable 31 in 29 games as Arsenal recorded their fifth consecutive league victory.

Norwich took the lead when Steve Morison pounced on a blunder by Per Mertesacker on 16 minutes before Dutch striker van Persie equalised in the 26th minute, netting the winner on 59 minutes.

“It was a very positive win, and the team is growing from game to game,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said before praising van Persie’s contribution.

“He is exceptional, but we all know within the club that he’s an exceptional player,” Wenger said. “Sometimes, what was in the way was the fact he was injured. Since he plays, Robin shows just how good he is.”