A second-half strike from Riyad Mahrez was enough to give Manchester City victory against Bournemouth – a result that has seen the Champions move one point clear of previous leaders Liverpool in the race for the title.
Pep Guardiola’s side will have the chance to extend their advantage even further as they host Watford in Saturday’s late kick-off, with the Reds entertaining Burnley at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were held to a goalless draw by city rivals Everton at Goodison Park, while Tottenham Hotspur’s every deteriorating hopes of clinching the title were further dented by only managing a draw against Arsenal, who slipped out of the top four at the expense of Manchester United.
Red hot
The Red Devils made hard work of it in a thrilling match at Old Trafford, first going behind to a wonder strike from Yann Valery though Andreas Pereira’s equaliser was even better.
The great goals continued, with Romelu Lukaku scoring to give the hosts the lead, only for James Ward-Prowse to draw Saints level with a superb free-kick.
However, Lukaku got his second two minutes from time to maintain Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s impressive league run which has seen him drop just four points from twelve matches.
Despite that form, and despite currently sitting fourth, they can still be backed at a price of 11/10 to finish the campaign in the Champions League qualification places.
Blue day
Chelsea are just two points off the top four after they beat Fulham 2-1, with Scott Parker in charge for the Cottagers, while Wolverhampton Wanderers and Watford stay seventh and eighth respectfully after they both secured home wins.
Two goals in three first half minutes was enough for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side against Cardiff City, who remain in trouble while Troy Deeney and Andre Gray netted either side of a Jamie Vardy goal to ensure Brendan Rodgers’ rein as Leicester City manager ended in defeat.
West Ham United are ninth after they eased past Newcastle United in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Declan Rice opened the scoring on seven minutes, with captain Mark Noble making sure of the points from the spot just before the break.
Crystal Palace eased their relegation fears with an impressive win at Turf Moor – a result that keeps Burnley just five points above the bottom three.
Grey skies
The Eagles were in cruise control thanks to a Phil Bardsley own goal, a strike from Michy Batshuyai, and Wilfried Zaha’s eighth of the season with Ashley Barnes’ late effort proving to be no more than a consolation.
Finally, Brighton and Hove Albion, who like the Clarets are on thirty points dragged Huddersfield Town right back down to earth after their surprise victory midweek, easing to a 1-0 victory at the Amex Stadium.
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