All top four teams claimed victories this week, while we also witnessed a goal fest at the Liberty Stadium. The competition is starting to heat up in the league as teams are made to work extremely hard to earn their points.
Chelsea continue to hold pole position in the table, while Sunderland dropped back to the bottom of the table.
#1 Chelsea end Spurs' unbeaten run
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Chelsea extended their winning run to seven games after beating London rivals Tottenham 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. The Blues were made to work hard for the three points and went a goal down early on, thanks to a Christian Eriksen stunner. Pedro scored an equally impressive goal on the stroke of half-time, and Victor Moses capitalised on some shoddy defended to score the winner in the second half.
Antonio Conte’s team maintained their lead at the top of the table and the win also halted Tottenham’s unbeaten run.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side returned to winning ways last week after four consecutive draws. Spurs were also sent packing from the Champions League in mid-week, following a loss to Monaco, while they remain in fifth position in the Premier League. A visit from Swansea next week is up next and the North-London club will be desperate for the three points as they look to keep up with the top four.
#2 Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool keep Chelsea in check
Liverpool left it late as they edged past a rejuvenated Sunderland side 2-0 at Anfield. The Reds were handed a major scare in the first half when Philippe Coutinho was stretchered off, with what looked like a ghastly injury.
Divock Origi replaced the Brazilian and went on to break the deadlock with 15 minutes to play. James Milner scored a penalty in stoppage time to wrap up the win. Jurgen Klopp’s team stay in second position, only a point behind Chelsea but they will be more concerned with the extent of Coutinho injury.
Manchester City also maintained their position on the table with a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Burnley. The Sky Blues went a goal down but did well to turn around the game and it was their talisman Sergio Aguero who once again came up with the goods.
The Argentine bagged both goals to take his tally to 10 league goals for the season. Back to back league victories meant that Pep Guardiola’s side have managed that feat for the first time since the end of September.
Arsenal’s win on Sunday meant that all top four teams grabbed a victory this week. The Gunners beat a good Bournemouth side 3-1 at The Emirates, with Alexis Sanchez netting a brace. It was their first win in three games as they extended their lead over fifth-placed Tottenham by four points.
#3 Bob Bradley claims first win in thriller
Bob Bradley recorded his first win as Swansea manager after six games in charge. The Welsh outlet only just managed to edge past Crystal Palace in an electrifying nine-goal thriller. The Swans took a 3-1 lead after going a goal down but Alan Pardew’s side fought back to bring the score to 4-3 in their favour.
Swansea substitute Fernando Llorente came on to score the next two goals of the game as Bradley team earned themselves a vital three points.
There were more worrying signs for Palace, who have now lost their sixth game in a row. Alan Pardew stressed that his side needed to keep more clean sheets but they achieved nothing remotely close to that. Only goal difference keeps the Eagles out of the drop zone as things are looking more and more bleak for the London club.
#4 Manchester United falter at Old Trafford again
Manchester United were left a frustrated figure once again on home soil as the Red Devils played out an entertaining 1-1 draw against West Ham. The Hammers went ahead early on through Diafra Sakho while Zlatan Ibrahimovic levelled proceedings for the home side.
Despite creating numerous opportunities, United were unable to find a winner. Credit must be given to the West Ham team who defended resiliently but questions are starting to mount for Jose Mourinho after his side failed to win for their fourth consecutive home game.
The Portuguese was also sent to the stands for his touchline antics to make matters worse. United remain in the same position that they started the week in but are now 11 points behind leaders Chelsea and eight behind fourth place Arsenal.
#5 Stoke and Southampton return to winning ways
Sunday’s early fixture saw a depleted Stoke team edge past Watford 1-0. Heurelho Gomes was unfortunate to be credited with an own goal after Charlie Adam’s header bounced back off the post and then onto Gomes before going into the net. The Potters climbed to 11th position in the table after their fourth win in six games.
Southampton climbed into the top half of the table with another close fought 1-0 over Everton. The Saints took the lead early on when Charlie Austin nodded in from close range with not even a minute on the clock. Ronald Koeman did not have a happy return to St. Mary’s as Southampton dominated proceedings for most of the game.
Despite the loss, the Toffees remain in seventh place, only a point behind Manchester United.
Burnley 1-2 Manchester CityHull City 1-1 West BromLeicester City 2-2 MiddlesbroughLiverpool 2-0 SunderlandSwansea City 5-4 Crystal PalaceChelsea 2-1 TottenhamWatford 0-1 Stoke CityArsenal 3-1 BournemouthManchester United 1-1 West Ham UnitedSouthampton 1-0 Everton
