Chelsea hold on to maintain five-point lead

League leaders Chelsea stayed five points clear of champions Manchester City at the top of the Barclays Premier League after the two title contenders fought to 1-1 stalemate at Stamford Bridge.

The goals came in a three minute spell before halftime with Chelsea the first to strike after 41 minutes when Branislav Ivanovic crossed for Eden Hazard, whose low ball across goal found Loic Remy who side-footed it into the empty net.

City equalised three minutes later when Jesus Navas crossed into the area. Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois failed to clear properly, sending the ball to Sergio Aguero whose goal bound shot was turned in by David Silva.

At Anfield, Daniel Sturridge returned to action with a goal to help Liverpool beat West Ham United 2-0.

Raheem Sterling struck six minutes into the second half after being sent through on goal by Philippe Coutinho to give the Reds the lead.

Sturridge announced his return with a gaol 12 minutes after his introduction to make sure of the win with an excellent goal as he blasted Coutinho’s assist into the back of the net.

The England striker had spent five months recovering from injury and he broke out into his trademark celebration after the goal which sent the Merseyside team up to seventh.

At Old Trafford, Manchester United avenged their 5-3 defeat to Leicester City earlier in the season as they beat the Foxes 3-1.

The defeat in September marked a low point for Louis van Gaal’s side but Saturday’s win saw them leapfrog Southampton and back into third spot in the Barclays Premier League.

Robin van Persie opened the scoring from what looked like an offside position to give the Red Devils a lead just before the half-hour mark.

Radamel Falcao made it two after bundling the ball over the line five minutes later after Angel di Maria saw his shot saved by Mark Schwarzer.

Wes Morgan’s own goal a minute before the break, as he attempted to dodge the ball, all but ended Leicester’s hope of a result although Marcin Wasilewski did headed in a cross from Marc Albrighton to reduce the tally for the basement club.

Tottenham kept their own top four hopes alive as they beat West Brom 3-0 at the Hawthorns.

The on form duo Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane both found the net.

The Dane was the first on the score sheet as he curled a free-kick beyond the reach of Ben Foster and with just 15 minutes gone starlet Kane lashed in a shot from a Mousa Dembele’s pass.

The Baggies weren’t without their chances and Hugo Lloris twice made breath taken saves before the woodwork kept out a Craig Dawson header.

Kane then hit his 20th goal of the season in all competitions as he rolled the ball home from the penalty spot, when Joleon Lescott was adjudged to have handled in the area, to complete the rout.

Sunderland were handed a huge boost in their battle for survival as they beat fellow basement battlers Burnley 2-0.

Connor Wickham scored the opener with a header before Jermain Defoe connected with Patrick van Aanholt’s left-wing centre.

The win moves Gus Poyet’s men up to 14th while Sean Dyche’s side sit just one point outside the relegation zone.

Queens Park Rangers are now seven games without a win in all competitions as Stoke City beat them 3-1 at the Britannia Stadium.

Jonathan Walters scored a hat-trick for the Potters as some shambolic defending from the visitors allowed Mark Hughes’ side to get through on goal. Niko Kranjcar, though, tapped home their consolation.

At Selhurst Park, Romelu Lukaku’s early goal was enough to see Everton beat Crystal Palace 1-0.