Manchester City came from behind for the second week running to beat West Ham United 2-1 at the Etihad and retain their eight point lead over Manchester United heading into next weekend’s Manchester Derby. David Silva was the late match-winner this time round for Pep Guardiola’s men as they recorded yet another consecutive victory.
United were gifted two early goals by Arsenal in what was one of the most entertaining matches of the season so far at the Emirates. Antonio Valencia and Jesse Lingard made the most of Arsenal’s generous start to December before the home team started playing some fine attacking football borne out of necessity. David de Gea was the hero for Jose Mourinho’s side equalling the Premier League record of 14 saves in a match. Arsenal did manage to pull a goal back, but Lingard instantly restored United’s two-goal advantage. Paul Pogba received a red card for a challenge on Hector Bellerin meaning he will miss next weekend’s top-of-the-table clash.
Chelsea and Liverpool both won in their attempt to keep up with United in their efforts to catch City. Chelsea went a goal down to Newcastle at Stamford Bridge before turning the match around and winning 3-1, Eden Hazard driving the Blues to victory. Liverpool were forced into playing an unfamiliar back three away at Brighton but it mattered not as they stormed to a 5-1 win meaning that they make up the top four along with Chelsea, United and City.
The wheels look as if they are coming off Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of making it into the top four this season. Mauricio Pochettino has refuted any claims that his new book has anything to do with Tottenham’s recent slump in league form but they were only able to take a point from Vicarage Road against Watford.
Leicester City have made a good start to life under Claude Puel and they condemned Burnley to second 1-0 defeat in a row. Demarai Gray scored the winner and if he continues his run of form will be hoping Gareth Southgate takes notice before the World Cup.
Crystal Palace are finally off the bottom of the Premier League table following their 0-0 draw with Alan Pardew’s West Bromwich Albion. They are replaced by Swansea City who lost 2-1 to Stoke City in a much-needed win for Mark Hughes. The defeat for Swansea increases the pressure on Head Coach Paul Clement and with reports of a dressing room fight between the players after the match suggests all is not well with the Swans.
Sam Allardyce was back in the dugout and his Everton side showed an immediate response to his appointment beating Huddersfield Town 2-0. Everton move up to 10th and will now surely be looking at pushing hard for the Europa League whilst Huddersfield slip into a tailspin. Five defeats in a row for David Wagner’s side means they are now looking at a relegation battle.
Bournemouth and Southampton drew 1-1 in the South Coast derby.