Premier League round-up: Man United go six clear after derby win
Another frantic weekend of football transpired in the Premier League, as Manchester United claimed a famous victory at neighbours Manchester City, whilst Chelsea headed for the World Club Championship with a comfortable victory over struggling Sunderland.
Manchester United visited the Etihad, knowing that Manchester City had not lost at home since December 2010. United were able to race into a 2-0 lead, only to be pegged back by a spirited City in the closing stages of the game.
The drama did not stop there, as a free-kick in stoppage time was converted by Robin Van Persie, after a Samir Nasri decided to stick his leg out in the wall, allowing the ball to deceive Joe Hart.
Liverpool continued a run of impressive form with another dramatic 3-2 victory over West Ham. Glenn Johnson put Liverpool ahead with a thumping effort, only to be 2-1 down after a Mark Noble penalty and a Steven Gerrard own goal.
Joe Cole brought the game level after a fine string of passes. The game was sealed after James Collins diverted into his own net.
Everton and Tottenham Hotspur played out another entertaining game, with the Toffees scoring twice in the last minute to cancel out Clint Dempsey’s opener in the 75th minute. Goals from Steven Pienaar and Nikica Jelavic were enough to give Everton the three points.
Arsenal beat West Brom 2-0 in controversial circumstances. A swing and miss in the box from defender Steven Reid was enough for Santi Cazorla to fall to the ground, with the resulting penalty being converted by Mikel Arteta. Another penalty decided the game, with Arteta yet again on hand to settle the victory at the Emirates.
Swansea City and Norwich City played out another thrilling encounter. Norwich City raced into a 3-1 lead, with Swansea narrowing the gap to 3-2. Robert Snodgrass’ delightful free-kick restored their two goal cushion, only for Swansea to hit back again to cause a frantic last few minutes; Norwich held on for a 4-3 victory.
Chelsea were victorious over a struggling Sunderland side, a result that saw Rafael Benitez pick up his first victory in charge of his new side. Two goals from Fernando Torres and another from Juan Mata were enough to ensure a 3-1 victory at the Stadium of Light.
Elsewhere, Southampton claimed a 1-0 victory over Reading, Aston Villa drew 0-0 with stoke and QPR’s quest for a first victory continued, after a 2-2 draw with Wigan Athletic.
Thomas Bradley, sports correspondent
Premier league results
08/12
Southampton 1 – 0 Reading
Sunderland 1 – 3 Chelsea
Aston Villa 0 – 0 Stoke City
Swansea City 3 – 4 Norwich City
Wigan Athletic 2 – 2 Queens Park Rangers
Arsenal 2 – 0 West Bromwich Albion
09/12
Manchester City 2 – 3 Manchester United
Everton 2 – 1 Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United 2 – 3 Liverpool
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