Arsenal regained top spot after beating West Ham United 3-1 at Upton Park. Carlton Cole put the Hammers in front but a second half rally saw the Gunners beat their London rivals.
Theo Walcott scored twice in the space of 3 minutes and Lukas Podolski marked his return to fitness with the third goal for the visitors.
Manchester City denied Liverpool’s chance to retain top spot after beating the Reds 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium. Philippe Coutinho put the visitors in front but goals from Vincent Kompany and Alvaro Negredo helped the hosts edge it past their visitors.
Eden Hazard’s solitary goal was enough for Chelsea as they beat Swansea City 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. Tim Howard’s sending off after 22 minutes dealt a heavy blow for Everton as they lost 1-0 at Goodison Park against Sunderland. Howard conceded a penalty and Ki Sung-Yueng stepped up and converted the spot kick.
Manchester United came from two goals down to beat Hull City 3-2 at the KC Stadium. James Chester and David Meyler put the Tigers in front after 13 minutes as the Red Devils seemed to be out of sorts after some heavy Christmas merrymaking. Chris Smalling headed in Wayne Rooney’s free kick and the provider equalised with a stunning volley. Chester turned from hero to villain when he scored an own goal to help United grab the winner. Antonio Valencia was shown a straight red in the 90th minute.
Newcastle United thrashed Stoke City 5-1 at St. James’ Park thanks to a brace from Loic Remy and three more from Yoan Gouffran, Yohan Cabaye and Papiss Demba Cisse. Remy could have bagged a hat trick had he converted the penalty awarded after Oussama Assaidi had put the Potters in front.
Dwight Gayle scored a late winner as Crystal Palace beat Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park. Jay Rodriguez scored a brace and Rickie Lambert scored another as Southampton beat Cardiff City 3-0 in Wales. Fulham came from a goal down to beat Norwich City 2-1 at Carrow Road thanks to goals from Pajtim Kasami and Scott Parker after Gary Hooper had put the Canaries in front. Christian Eriksen’s strike was cancelled out by Jonas Olsson’s equaliser for West Bromwich Albion as Tottenham Hotspur were held to a 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane.
