Manchester City pulled 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League table following their 5-1 win over Leicester City and Manchester United’s surprise 1-0 defeat away to Newcastle United.
Sergio Aguero was in the goals once again for the league leaders, scoring four as Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel had an afternoon he will want to forget quickly. Riyad Mahrez returned for Leicester in what turned out to be a hopeless cause.
Jose Mourinho is still searching for his first ever win as a Premier League manager at St James’ Park. Mourinho was gracious in defeat, calling Newcastle’s victory a “beautiful thing” as gutsy defending, a goal on the break and a passionate crowd played a big part in a vital win for Rafa Benitez’s men. Mattie Ritchie scored the game’s only goal.
Liverpool now have United firmly in their sites, sitting just two points behind them after a drama-free Sunday evening at St Mary’s. Liverpool scored early against Southampton through Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah scored once more before half-time, the game ending 2-0.
Tottenham Hotspur now sit in 4th, ahead of Chelsea’s game against West Bromwich Albion tonight. Spurs overcame a lacklustre Arsenal 1-0 in the North London Derby, Harry Kane heading home Ben Davies’ cross for the winner. Arsenal had a late chance to equalise through Alexandre Lacazette but he pulled his shot wide. Arsenal now trail the Champions League places by 7 points.
At the bottom, West Bromwich Albion could reduce the gap between them and second-bottom Stoke City to 3 points if they could pile more misery on Antonio Conte. Stoke drew 1-1 with Brighton, now in 14th place, after Charlie Adam missed a penalty that would have sealed a valuable three points.
Southampton remain in the bottom three following their loss to Liverpool and Huddersfield grabbed a vital win, beating Bournemouth 4-1 at home. This win moves Huddersfield into 17th place, level on points with Swansea City who also won, beating Burnley 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium. Also on 27 points are Crystal Palace, who were beaten 3-1 by Everton.
Watford and West Ham United sit 11th and 12th respectively after the latter beat the former 3-1 at the London Stadium. Neither side can consider themselves out of relegation danger at this stage as the gap between 19th and 11th is still a mere 5 points.