Raheem Sterling was the hero as Manchester City tightened their grip at the top of the table with a 3-1 win over Watford.
The England international scored a thirteen-minute hattrick at the start of the second half to ensure victory for Pep Guardiola’s side, with substitute Gerard Deulofeu netting a consolation for the Hornets, who remain in eighth place.
The Citizens know there is no room for complacency, with Liverpool hot on their heels and the Reds kept up their end of the bargain by coming from behind to beat Burnley 4-2 at Anfield in Sunday’s early kick-off.
Scare
Ashley Westwood gave the Clarets a surprise lead on six minutes, only for goals from Roberto Firminio (2) and Sadio Mane to turn the game on its head.
Johann Berg Gudhmundsson gave Sean Dyche’s side hope late on, only for Mane to grab his second and make sure of the points shortly after.
The Merseyside outfit remain a point behind the Champions, though are now twelve clear of Tottenham Hotspur, who suffered a shock defeat at St. Marys Stadium.
Harry Kane had given Spurs a first half lead, though second-half strikes from Yann Valery and James Ward Prowse gave Southampton a much needed three points in their quest for Premier League survival.
Fight
Just as well for the South Coast club, as Cardiff City boosted their chances of remaining in the top flight with a fine 2-0 win over West Ham United though another nail went into the coffins of both Fulham and Huddersfield Town, who lost to Leicester City and Bournemouth respectively.
The win for the Foxes was Brendan Rodgers’ first in charge of the club and saw them move into the top half of the table while the Cherries are just two places and one point worse off than the 2016 title winners.
Everton, who sit inbetween Leicester and Bournemouth looked to be coasting to victory against Newcastle United though it was very much a game of two halves at St. James’s Park.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison had seemingly put the Toffees in cruise control, though Salomon Rondon gave Rafa Benitez’s side hope before a brace from Ayoze Perez sealed victory.
Flight
Brighton and Hove Albion moved level on points with rivals Crystal Palace after beating the Eagles 2-1 at Selhurst Park in Saturday’s early kick-off – both sides now five points clear of the bottom three while a superb stoppage-time strike from Eden Hazard saw Chelsea salvage a point against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge.
Finally, it’s advantage Arsenal in the race for fourth spot after the Gunners ended Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s unbeaten league run at the Emirates Stadium.
Granit Xhaka’s long range effort, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang penalty secured a 2-0 for Unai Emery’s side, who are now priced at 8/11 to end the campaign in the Champions League qualification places.
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