Chelsea Go Top As Saints Hold Reds

After the final International break of the year, Premier League action returned with game-week 12 which saw changes at both the top and bottom of the standings.

Saturday's opening game saw a clash at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Arsenal with Arsene Wenger looking to end his hoodoo against Jose Mourinho.

A goalless first hour between the sides saw a breakthrough come seven minutes later as United struck through Juan Mata for a 1-0 lead.

The win looked to be on the cards for the hosts as the game entered the final stages but a a clever move from the Gunners saw Olivier Giroud salvage a point in a 1-1 draw.

Manchester City had the chance to move top of the table as they visited Crystal Palace who looked to boost their poor year to date.

City led at the interval as a strike from forgotten star Yaya Touré put them 1-0 ahead on 38 minutes but they were pegged back just after the hour mark by a superb score from Connor Wickham. The points would go to City though as Touré struck his second seven minutes from the end to secure a 2-1 win and put City level at the top.

Swansea City visited Everton at Goodison Park looking to cut the gap to safety and give Bob Bradley a first win in charge.

They opened the scoring three minutes before half time with a penalty from Gylfi Sigurdsson but were denied a win by a late leveller from the Toffees.

Seamus Coleman struck from close range in the 89th minute to salvage a point in a 1-1 draw that left Swansea bottom of the table due to other results.

Liverpool had the chance to go clear at the top of the table as they visited Southampton at St Mary's.

The Reds missed the chance though as they wasted numerous chances in a 0-0 stalemate which saw them remain top but by way of goal difference from Manchester City.

Stoke City hosted a Bournemouth side who were looking to move up into the top half with victory at the Bet365 Stadium.

The game was settled by a single goal as the Cherries claimed a 1-0 win with a 26th minute winner from Nathan Aké.

Sunderland looked to move off the bottom with a second win in a row as they hosted Hull City.

An opener from Jermain Defoe on 34 minutes saw the hosts lead 1-0 into the interval before Victor Anichebe doubled the lead just after the hour mark.

The former Everton striker secured his first league brace with Sunderland's third goal of the game with seven minutes remaining and despite the late dismissal of Papy Djilobodji, the Mackems secured a 3-0 win and moved off the bottom of the table.

Leicester City looked to move clear of the danger zone as they visited Watford at Vicarage Road.

A perfect start for the hosts saw Etienne Capoue score inside 40 seconds with Roberto Pereyra doubling the lead with just 12 minutes played.

Riyad Mahrez cut the deficit within three minutes with a penalty but the Foxes were unable to avoid a 2-1 loss.

The evening kick-off saw a five goal London derby thriller between Tottenham and West Ham.

Michail Antonio put the Hammers ahead on 24 minutes before a debut strike from Harry Winks saw Spurs level on 51 minutes.

The Hammers regained the lead with a 68th minute penalty from Manuel Lanzini who's strike looked to be enough to secure a 2-1 win as the game entered the final stages. However, Spurs had other ideas as Harry Kane levelled on 89 minutes before completing the comeback with a penalty in added time for 3-2. West Ham's downfall ended with a second booking in as many minutes for Winston Reid who was sent off.

Chelsea had the chance to leapfrog Liverpool at the top as they visited Middlesbrough on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues sealed all three points with a solitary strike three minutes before half time as Diego Costa extended his scoring spree to seal a 1-0 success.

The week's action came to an end on Monday night as West Bromwich Albion hosted Burnley with both looking to move into the top half.

A rapid start from the Baggies saw Matt Phillips open the scoring inside four minutes before James Morrison doubled the lead after just 16 minutes.

Darren Fletcher extended the advantage to 3-0 eight minutes before the interval and a miserable evening for the Clarets was completed just after the hour mark as Salomon Rondon wrapped up a 4-0 rout.

Reds On Top After Hornets Demolition

Ahead of the International break, a new name appeared atop the Premier League after game-week 11.

Saturday's opening game on the fixture list saw Bournemouth hosting Sunderland with the visitors looking to claim their first win.

The Cherries opened the scoring inside 12 minutes through Dan Gosling before Victor Anichebe levelled on 33 minutes. The visitors were dealt a blow just before the hour mark as Steven Pienaar was sent off but the ten men secured all the points with a 79th minute winner as Jermain Defoe struck a penalty for 2-1.

Burnley came out on top in a five goal thriller as they defeated Crystal Palace 3-2. A perfect start for the Clarets saw Sam Vokes fire them ahead inside two minutes with Johann Gudmundsson doubling the lead after just 14 minutes.

Palace fought back with a strike on the hour mark from Connor Wickham before a penalty eight minutes from the end from Christian Benteke looked to have salvaged a point for the Eagles. Burnley had other ideas though as Ashley Barnes sealed the win in added time.

Manchester City looked to retain top spot as they hosted Middlesbrough at the Etihad Stadium.

Sergio Aguero put the hosts in front just before the interval but his effort and City's hopes of going clear at the top were cancelled out late on by Marten De Roon's equaliser who sealed a point in a 1-1 draw.

West Ham United looked to move away from the danger zone as they hosted Stoke City.

The Hammers were gifted the lead on 65 minutes through a Glenn Whelan own goal but were denied the win by a 76th minute leveller from Bojan Krkic. 

The evening kick-off saw Chelsea host Everton with the hosts looking to take top spot.

A rapid double from Eden Hazard and Marcos Alonso put the Blues 2-0 up inside 20 minutes before Diego Costa ensured a three goal lead into the interval.

The Toffees hopes of securing a comeback were scuppered within an hour as Hazard struck for a second time for 4-0. The rout was completed on 66 minutes by Pedro for 5-0.

Sunday's action began with the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham. The sides shared the points in a 1-1 draw which saw an unfortunate own goal from Kevin Wimmer give the Gunners the lead at the interval. Spurs secured a point as Harry Kane slotted in a penalty in the 50th minute.

Hull City looked to cut the gap to safety as they hosted Southampton. The Saints started superbly as Charlie Austin slotted in a penalty after six minutes before the hosts staged a superb two minute comeback to secure a 2-1 win.

Robert Snodgrass levelled on 61 minutes before Michael Dawson sealed the points on 63 minutes.

Liverpool hosted Watford with the chance to go top of the table for the first time since May 2014.

Sadio Mané fired the Reds ahead on 27 minutes with Philippe Coutinho swiftly adding a second on the half hour mark for 2-0. Emre Can ensured a three goal advantage before the interval before Roberto Firmino made it 4-0 ahead of Mané's second just before the hour mark.

Watford ended the Reds' spree with a strike from Daryl Janmaat on 75 minutes before Georginio Wijnaldum completed a 6-1 rout in added time.



Swansea City hoped to cut the gap to safety as they hosted Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium.

United opened the scoring after just 16 minute with a clever effort from Paul Pogba before a brace from Zlatan Ibrahimovic made it 3-0 to the visitors on 34 minutes.

Swansea got off the mark in the 69th minute through Mike van der Hoorn but it was to be only a consolation in a 3-1 loss.


Leicester City looked to boost their mixed season as they hosted West Bromwich Albion. The visitors opened the scoring through James Morrison on 53 minutes before a rapid reply saw Islam Slimani level the for the Foxes within two minutes. The points were sealed for the Baggies on 72 minutes as Matt Phillips struck the winner for 2-1. 

Europa League Matchday Four Review

The business end of the Europa League group stage began in matchday four with a number of teams sealing a spot in the knockout stages at the earliest opportunity.

A -Fenerbache sit top of the group after a 2-1 win over Manchester United. A perfect start for the hosts saw them lead inside two minutes with a stunning overhead effort from Sow.

Jeremain Lens doubled the lead just before the hour mark with a clever free-kick with Wayne Rooney setting up a tense finale with an 88th minute strike. The Turks held on to secure the victory.

Feyernoord moved to second in the group with a 1-1 draw at Zorya Luhansk. Jorgensen put the visitors ahead in the 15th minute before they went down to ten men with the dismissal of Botteghin on 43 minutes. The result was an equaliser from Forster for 1-1 which saw a share of the points.

B- FC Astana await their first win after being held 1-1 by Olympiakos. Despotovic put the hosts in front after just eight minutes only for Couto Junior to level on 29 minutes.

Apoel sit two points clear at the top of the group after a narrow 1-0 win over Young Boys with the crucial strike coming on 69 minutes from Soteriou as the Cypriots took advantage of Mbabu's dismissal two minutes earlier.



C- FK Qabala sit rock bottom of the group without a point after suffering a 2-1 loss to Saint Etienne.

The hosts went ahead with a Gurbanov strike six minutes before half time before being pegged back by Tannane's 45th minute equaliser. The win was sealed just eight minutes later for the visitors via a Beric effort.

Anderlecht sit top of the group after a 6-1 demolition of Mainz. The Belgians took the lead after nine minutes through Stanciu but were soon pegged back by De Blasis' leveller on 15 minutes.

Stanciu struck for a second time to regain the lead on 41 minutes before Tielemans made it 3-1. A late rally saw a quick brace from Teodorczyk strike before adding a penalty in added time after Bruno had made it 5-1.

D-AZ Alkmaar await their first win after sharing the points in a 0-0 draw away to Maccabi Tel-Aviv.

Zenit Saint Petersburg secured qualification to the next stage with a 2-1 win over Dundalk who remain second behind the Russians. De Paula put the hosts ahead three minutes for half time but the visitors took just seven minutes of the second half to draw level through Horgan. The win was sealed with 12 minutes left as De Paula struck his second on 78 minutes.

E -Viktoria Plzen await their first win after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Astra Giurgiu. The hosts led after 19 minutes after Stan opened the scoring but an equaliser came on 25 minutes from Krmencik to salvage a point.

Roma sit top of the group after coming out on top in a six goal thriller with a 4-2 win. Kayode gave the Austrians the lead inside two minutes with Edin Dzeko levelling in the fourth minute.

De Rossi put the Italians ahead on 18 minutes before Dzeko scored his second on 65 minutes for 3-1.The win was sealed on 78 minutes by Nainggolan's effort with the hosts having the last say with Grunwald's 89th minute strike.

F- Genk remain top of the group despite being on the wrong side of an eight goal thriller which saw Athletic Bilbao win 5-3. Aritz Aduriz gave the hosts the led inside eight minutes before adding a penalty on 24 minutes for 2-0.

Bailey pulled one back for the Belgians before Aduriz completed his hat-trick with a second penalty just before halftime. Ndidi made it 3-2 six minutes after the interval before a fourth from Aduriz on 74 minutes was swiftly followed by Susic's 79th minute strike for 4-3. The win was sealed late on as Aduriz secured a unique record with his fifth goal as he completed a hat-trick of penalties.

Sassuolo and Rapid Vienna shared the points in a 2-2 draw which saw the hosts lead after 34 minutes via a Defrei strike. Pellegrini doubled the lead just before half time and as the game entered the final ten minutes, the win looked safe for the hosts. However, Rapid had other ideas as they secured a point with two late strikes from Jelic and Kvilitaia.


G - Ajax secured qualification to the next stage with a 3-2 win over Celta Vigo. The hosts led 1-0 at half time after Dolberg's 41st minute opener.

Ziyech doubled the lead on 67 minutes before Younes made it 3-0 to the hosts on 71 minutes. Celta staged a comeback with a 79th minute effort from Guidetti followed by Iago Aspas' strike for 3-2 on 86 minutes but the illusive leveller evaded them.

Panathinaikos await their first win after falling to a 3-0 loss to Standard Liege. The Belgians took the lead just after the hour mark through Cisse before Belfodil doubled the lead on 75 minutes.

The hosts went down to ten men two minutes later with the dismissal of M'Poku before a second from Belfodil confirmed the win late on.

H - Shakthar Donetsk sealed a spot in the next stage as they continued their 100% record with a 5-3 win over Gent.

The hosts started superbly with Coulibaly scoring in the first minute, the visitors levelled with a penalty from Bonfim on 36 minutes before two goals in four minutes before the interval saw Taison and Stepanenko made it 3-1. Fred extended the lead to 4-1 on 67 minutes before Perbet made it 4-2 with seven minutes to go. Ferreyra confirmed the win three minutes from the end but the last say went to the hosts as Milicevic made it 5-3 in added time.

Konyaspor remain without a win after 3-1 loss at Sporting Braga with the visitors opening the scoring through Sangelov on 30 minutes before Maldonado levelled four minutes later for 1-1. The hosts went down to ten men with the dismissal of Sousa before Eduardo put them ahead into half time. The sides were both down to ten with the dismissal of Skubic for the visitors on 55 minutes with the win confirmed for the hosts late on via Horta's strike.

I- Schalke 04 qualified for the next stage as they continued their 100% record with a 2-0 win over Krasnodar.

The hosts opened the scoring on 24 minutes through Junior Caicara before Nabil Bentaleb doubled the lead just four minutes later. The two goal advantage proved to be enough to reach the next stage.

Red Bull Salzburg secured their first win with a 2-0 victory over OGC Nice. The points were sealed by two goals in as many minutes as Hwang struck in the 72nd and 73rd minutes.

J - Fiorentina edged toward qualification for the next stage with a comfortable 3-0 win over Slovan Liberec who await their first win.

A penalty on the half hour mark from Ilicic saw the hosts open the scoring before Kalinic doubled the lead just before half time. The win was sealed in 73rd minute by Cristoforo's strike.

FK Qarabag moved to second in the group with a narrow 1-0 win over PAOK Salonica with the crucial strike coming in the 69th minute from Madera.



K-Southampton moved to second in the group after coming from behind to win 2-1 against Inter Milan.

The Italians opened the scoring on 33 minutes through Mauro Icardi before Handanovic saved a penalty from Dusan Tadic to preserve the lead. The hosts did draw level on 64 minutes though as Virgil van Dijk made it 1-1. The win was sealed by an unfortunate own goal for Nagatomo on 70 minutes.

Sparta Prague sit top of the group after a 2-0 win over Hapoel Beer Sheva. The Czechs lead after a Bitton own goal on 23 minutes before Lafata doubled the lead on 38 minutes.

L - Steaua Bucharest await their first win after drawing 0-0 at FC Zurich.

Osmanlispor sit atop the group after a 2-1 win at Villarreal. The visitors opened the scoring inside eight minutes through Webo before being pegged back by Cascante's equaliser three minutes after half time.

The win was sealed on 75 minutes as Rusescu struck to extending his superb scoring run. 

Champions League Matchday Four Review

The Champions League group stage reached the business end in matchday four with the a number of teams confirming their place in the knockout stages at the earliest opportunity.

A
Paris Saint Germain secured qualification for the next stage as they defeated a Basel side who remain without a win.

Blaise Matuidi put the visitors ahead before Zuffi drew the hosts level on 76 minutes only for them to go down to ten men with the dismissal of Serey Die with six minutes to go. The visitors sealed the points and a 2-1 win with a late effort from Meunier. 

Arsenal sit top of the group as they also qualified for the next stage against winless Ludogorets.

The hosts raced into a surprise 2-0 lead inside 16 minutes as Barbosa and Keseru struck. The Gunners pulled one back four minutes later through Granit Xhaka before Olivier Giroud equalised to send the sides into the interval level at 2-2. The crucial strike for the visitors came with 87 minutes on the clock as Mesut Ozil sealed a 3-2 victory with an excellent effort.


B
Napoli sit top of the group after salvaging a point away to Besiktas. The Turks took the lead in the tightly run game on 79 minutes through Ricardo Quaresma but were pegged back within three minutes as Marek Hamsik levelled for 1-1 to ensure a share of the points.

Benfica sit second on goal difference after they secured a narrow 1-0 win over Dynamo Kiev.

The vital strike came just before half time as Salvio slotted in a penalty.

C
Borussia Monchengladbach and Celtic remain in the hunt to reach the next stage after they shared the points in a 1-1 draw.

The hosts opened the scoring on 33 minutes through Lars Stindl,the lead continued deep into the second half until a double blow for the Germans. Korb was sent off with Dembele
converting the resulting penalty to salvage a point.

Barcelona missed the chance to secure qualification to the next stage as they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City.

The Catalan side opened the scoring on 21 minutes through Lionel Messi but were pegged back six minutes before half time by Ilkay Gundogan's equaliser for 1-1. Kevin De Bruyne put City ahead just seven minutes after the interval before Gundogan's second effort secured a 3-1 win for the hosts as Pep Guardiola defeated his former side.


D
Atletico Madrid extended their 100% record to secure qualification with a 2-1 win over FC Rostov.

Antoine Griezmann put the hosts ahead on 27 minutes only to have his effort cancelled out by an equaliser within three minutes from Azmoun. However, the points were sealed for the hosts in the final minutes as Griezmann scored his second to secure a 2-1 win.

Bayern Munich also secured qualification for the next stage as they came from behind to win 2-1 at PSV Eindhoven.

The hosts opened the scoring inside 14 minutes through Arias before being pegged back by Robert Lewandowski's 34th minute penalty. Lewandowski sealed the win and qualification for the Germans with his second strike on 73 minutes.

E
Monaco sit top of the group after they claimed a 3-0 win over a CSKA Moscow side whose 'keeper Igor Akinfeev reached a record 41st consecutive game without a clean sheet.

An early opener from Germain inside 12 minutes was followed by a strike from Radamel Falcao on 28 minutes. The win was sealed before half time as Falcao struck his second goal five minutes before the interval.

Bayer Leverkusen acquired their first win of the group stage with a narrow 1-0 win over Tottenham whose Wembley woes continued.

The crucial strike came on 65 minutes as Kampl gave the Germans all three points.



F
Borussia Dortmund became the fifth team and last side to qualify for the next stage in matchday four as they claimed a 1-0 win over Sporting Lisbon.

The narrow win was secured early on as a 13th minute strike from Ramos proved to be enough to secure the points and extend the German's unbeaten run.

Real Madrid will have to wait to confirm a spot in the next stage after the came from behind to deny a famous win for Legia Warsaw.

The visitors made a perfect start as Gareth Bale fired them in front inside the first minute and with Karim Benzema doubling the lead on 35 minutes they looked comfortable. However, Legia had other ideas as Odjidja-Ofoe made it 2-1 into the interval before Radovic levelled at 2-2 just before the hour mark. The hosts looked to have secured a stunning win with an 83rd minute lead coming from Moulin but Madrid salvaged a 3-3 draw a minute later with Kovacic's leveller.

G
Leicester City missed the chance to secure a spot in the next stage as their 100% start ended with a 0-0 draw at FC Copenhagen.

Despite the draw, the Foxes claimed a famous record in becoming first side to open their debut campaign with four clean sheets.

FC Porto moved into second spot with a narrow 1-0 win over Club Brugge who are yet to claim a single point in the group. The winning goal came eight minutes before the interval as Silva struck for the hosts.

H
Juventus missed the chance to move top of the group as they were held 1-1 at home to Lyon.

The hosts led early on after Higuain's 13th minute opener from the penalty spot but were denied the win as Tolliso salvaged a point for the visitors on 85 minutes.

Sevilla sit two point clear atop the group after a comfortable 4-0 rout over Dinamo Zagreb.

Vietto got the hosts off the mark on 31 minutes before the visitors suffered a blow just before the interval with the dismissal of Stojanovic.

Escudero doubled the lead for the hosts on 66 minutes before Steven N'Zonzi sealed the win ten minutes from the end. The gloss on the win came three minutes from time as Ben Yedder struck. 

Reds Defeat Eagles To Join City/Gunners On Top

Game-week 10 of Premier League action saw three teams end the weekend level on points at the top with the trio all scoring four in comfortable wins during a high scoring programme.

The early kick-off saw rock bottom Sunderland hosting Arsenal with the Gunners looking to move top of the table. Their pursuit of success saw Alexis Sanchez open the scoring on 19 minutes.

The hosts drew level on 66 minutes with a penalty from Jermain Defoe before a rapid brace from substitute Olivier Giroud on 72 and 76 minutes saw the Gunners lead 3-1 before Sanchez struck his second two minutes later to wrap up a 4-1 victory.

Manchester United looked to close the gap at the top as they hosted Burnley at Old Trafford. A tight game saw the sides share the points in a 0-0 draw which saw United end with ten after the 68th minute dismissal of Ander Herrera. 

Middlesbrough looked to move away from the danger zone as they hosted Bournemouth who themselves hoped to move further into the top half.

The hosts opened the scoring through Gaston Ramirez seven minutes before the interval with Stewart Downing completing a 2-0 win in the 56th minute.

Tottenham hosted Leicester City with both sides hoping to secure a win ahead of their return to European action.

Spurs took the lead just before the interval as Vincent Janssen slotted in a penalty for 1-0 before Ahmed Musa levelled for the Foxes within three minutes of the restart to salvage a point at 1-1.

Hull City travelled to face high-flying Watford looking to move out of the bottom three,

They remain in the danger zone after a narrow 1-0 loss to the Hornets who benefited from a Michael Dawson own goal eight minutes from the end.

Manchester City had the chance to move back to the top as they visited West Bromwich Albion.

Sergio Aguero fired City ahead on 19 minutes and doubled the lead just eight minutes later. The two goal lead remained until deep into the second half before a brace from Ilkay Gundogan  in the 79th and 90th minutes completed a 4-0 rout.

The evening kick-off saw a six-goal thriller at Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace hosted a Liverpool side eyeing top spot.

The Reds opened the scoring on 17 minutes through Emre Can only to be instantly pegged back by James McArthur's equaliser for 1-1 after a mistake from Dejan Lovren who redeemed himself three minutes later for 2-1.

McArthur levelled for a second time on 34 minutes before Joel Matip regained the lead for the Reds at 3-2 just before the interval. The win was sealed in the 71st minute as Roberto Firmino fired in for 4-2.

Sunday's action began with Everton hosting a West Ham side looking to move away from the danger zone.

Everton claimed a 2-0 win with two second half strikes as Romelu Lukaku continued his scoring streak against the Hammers with a 55th minute opener before Ross Barkley confirmed the win on 75 minutes.

Sunday's second game saw Southampton host Chelsea with the Blues looking to move back into the top four.

An early opener from Eden Hazard came after just six minutes for the Blues with Diego Costa doubling the lead and confirming the win on 55 minutes.

The final game of the week saw Stoke City hosting fellow strugglers Swansea City on Monday night.

Former Swans attacker Wilfried Bony put the Potters ahead inside three minutes but a leveller just five minutes later came from Wayne Routledge for 1-1.

An unfortunate own goal from Andy Mawson put the Potters back in front before a second from Bony on 73 minutes confirmed a 3-1 win.

EPL Cup Round Four Review

The final 16 teams in the EPL Cup met at the fourth round stage this midweek with the sides knowing a win would see them into the quarter finals.

Tuesday night saw five of the eight ties with Arsenal hosting Championship side Reading at the Emirates. 

The Gunners sealed a spot in the last eight with a 2-0 win over the Royals with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's brace in the 33rd and 78th minutes.

Another battle between a top flight and Championship side saw Hull City visit Bristol City. 

Harry Maguire put the visitors ahead just before half-time with Michael Dawson doubling the lead within two minutes of the restart. The hosts pulled one back through Lee Tomlin but were unable to level as Hull reached the last eight.

An all Championship tie saw Leeds United host Norwich City at Elland Road. An early opener from Alex Pritchard put the Canaries ahead but the hosts managed to draw level just before half time through Marcus Antonsson. 

The sides remained level at 1-1 until the end of the 90 minutes and went to extra time with Norwich leading for a second time through Nelson Oliveira. However, an equaliser from Chris Wood forced penalties with the Leeds securing a spot in the last eight with a 3-2 success. 

The televised action saw Liverpool host Tottenham with both sides making mass changes from the weekend. An early opener from Daniel Sturridge saw the Reds lead inside nine minutes before he struck again just after the hour mark for 2-0. Tottenham set up a tense finish with a penalty from Vincent Janssen but were unable to deny the hosts from securing a spot in last eight.

An all Championship battle saw Newcastle United host Preston North End at St James' Park. Aleksandar Mitrovic put the Magpies ahead on 19 minutes with the visitors suffering a further blow with the dismissal of Alan Browne on 25 minutes.

Mo Diame doubled the lead before the interval with a Matt Richie penalty and second trike from Mitrovic making it 4-0 on 55 minutes. The gloss on a fine performance came with two late goals as Diame struck his second before Ayoze Perez complete a 6-0 rout.

Wednesday night saw the remaining three ties- Southampton hosting Sunderland. The Saints secured a place in the last eight via a first goal for the club for summer signing Sofiane Boufal.

A London derby at London Stadium as West Ham hosted Chelsea. Both sides made changes from the weekend but it was the Hammers who started the better as Cheikou Kouyate fired them ahead inside 12 minutes.

Edmilson Fernandes doubled the lead for the hosts just after half time and for the Blues just a small consolation on the night as Gary Cahill struck late on for 2-1.

The final tie of the round saw another derby, the Manchester derby as United hosted City at Old Trafford. The fierce rivals were to be separated by just a single goal as Juan Mata struck a 54th minute winner for a 1-0 success.



The draw for the quarter finals saw the following pairings...

Liverpool v Leeds United
Manchester United v West Ham United
Hull City v Newcastle United
Arsenal v Southampton.

City/Gunners/Reds On Top After Defeating Baggies

Game-week nine of the Premier League saw one of the lowest scoring weekends of the season while three sides are now level at the top.

Tottenham had the chance to move top of the table with a win as they visited Bournemouth.

The Cherries looked to become the first side to defeat Spurs this season but will surely be the happier of the two sides as they shared the points in a 0-0 draw.

Alike their North London rivals, Arsenal had the chance to move top as they welcomed Middlesbrough to the Emirates.

The Gunners were unable to breakthrough against 'Boro who moved out of the bottom three with a point in the 0-0 draw.

After defeating Liverpool earlier in the season, Burnley hosted Everton at Turf Moor looking to claim a Merseyside double.

The Clarets struck an opener six minutes before half-time through Sam Vokes only for Yannick Bolasie to level for the Toffees with his first goal for the club just before the hour mark.

The sides looked on course for a share of the points until a last gasp strike from Scott Arfield sealed a 2-1 win for the hosts.

In a battle to move away from the bottom three, Stoke City travelled to fellow strugglers Hull City. The Potters secured a 2-0 win to move clear of their opponents with a superb brace from Xherdan Shaqiri on 26 and 50 minutes.

Leicester City and Crystal Palace both looked to advance up the table as they met at the King Power stadium.

The Foxes led 1-0 at half-time after Ahmed Musa's 42nd minute opener before Shinji Okazaki doubled the lead in the 63rd minute.

Christian Fuchs confirmed the win ten minutes from the end with his first strike for the club but it was to be the Eagles with the last say as Yohan Cabaye struck for 3-1 in the 86th minute.

Swansea hoped to cut the gap to safety as they welcomed Watford to the Liberty Stadium. They remain second bottom and two points shy of safety after a 0-0 draw with the Hornets.

West Ham United looked to boost their woeful home form as they hosted basement boys Sunderland at London Stadium.The two sides were evenly matched for the majority of the game with the score remaining at 0-0 into added time.

However, it was to be joy for the home fans as Winston Reid fired in a stunning last gasp winner to secure a 1-0 victory.

The evening game saw Liverpool look to move level at the top with a win as they hosted West Bromwich Albion. The Reds struck an opener in the 20th minute through Sadio Mané before a superb effort from Phillipe Coutinho on 35 minutes doubled the advantage to 2-0.

Despite their free-scoring form this season, the Reds have only claimed one shut-out and that figure remained as Gareth McAuley got the Baggies on the board with nine minutes to go, a strike which denied the hosts top spot outright.

Sunday's double header began at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City looked to regain top spot as they hosted Southampton.

The Saints led after 27 minutes after Nathan Redmond capitalised on poor defence from City. However, the hosts did manage to claim a point as substitute Kelechi Ihenacho struck on 55 minutes. The 1-1 draw ensured that City would end the weekend on top.

The final game of the weekend saw a huge clash between Chelsea and Manchester United in Jose Mourinho's first return to Stamford Bridge since his sacking by the Blues.

A perfect start from Chelsea saw Pedro score the opener within 30 seconds before Gary Cahill doubled the lead on 21 minutes, The win looked to be safe when Eden Hazard made it 3-0 just after the hour but the gloss on a superb home win came with 20 minutes to go as N'Golo Kanté struck to complete a 4-0 rout of the visitors.