BPL: Gifts for Gunners, Hammer blow for City

It’s not Christmas yet, but Sunderland continue to hand gifts to their opponents in the Barclays Premier League (BPL).

Alexis Sanchez scored a brace – including Arsenal’s 1,500th Premier League goal – to give the Gunners a 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light.

Like they did against Southampton in the 8-0 loss, two horror mistakes from Wes Brown and Vito Mannone handed Sanchez easy goals, as Arsenal won for the first time in four matches.

The Gunners weren’t at their best, but they will take these three points and run to London as Arsene Wenger’s men are in fifth place on 14 points, while Sunderland are 17th on eight points.

Diafra Sakho’s sixth goal in six successive Barclays Premier League games gave West Ham a 2-1 victory over champions Manchester City at Upton Park.

The Hammers took a deserved lead through Morgan Amalfitano on 21 minutes, as the visitors were outfoxed.

City piled on the pressure, which saw Sergio Aguero hit the crossbar and Yaya Toure strike the outside of the post.

However, on 73 minutes, Sakho made it 2-0 when his downward header dropped over the line, given by the Goal Decision System after Joe Hart had clawed the ball out inside the far post.

David Silva hit back immediately to set up a grandstand finale, but the host held on as City missed the chance to close up on leaders Chelsea, who visit Manchester United on Sunday.

Liverpool endured another disappointing day at Anfield, as Brendan Rodgers‘side had to settle for a goalless draw against Hull City.

Hopes of bouncing back from the 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid were dashed as the Reds, despite enjoying plenty of possession and posing a greater threat, couldn’t find a way through the visitors’ defence.

Southampton climbed to second place after defeating Stoke City 1-0 at St Mary’s, thanks to Sadio Mane’s first-half goal.

Goals from veterans Brede Hangeland and Mile Jedinak gave Crystal Palace a 2-0 road lead, then they couldn’t hold on despite their best efforts, as Victor Anichebe scored before winning a penalty that Saido Berahino finished to split the points in a 2-2 game.