Chelsea reclaim summit as Everton hold City

Chelsea moved two points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League after beating Newcastle United 2-0 while rivals Manchester City could only manage a 1-1 at Everton.

Chelsea took the lead in the 41st minute when Oscar tapped in Branislav Ivanovic’s cross after Willian took a quick corner and they added a second just before the hour, with Diego Costa pouncing on a back-heel from Oscar to score his 15th goal of the season.

At Goodison Park, champions City went ahead in the 74th minute through Fernandinho but Steven Naismith equalised four minutes later heading home a cross from Leighton Baines.

Swansea equalised with a comical own goal in the 74th minute when a header from  Bafetimbi Gomis hit the post, struck West Ham midfielder Mark Noble and rebounded into the net.

Basement team Leicester City closed to within two points of safety by winning 1-0 at home to Aston Villa, with Paul Konchesky slamming in the only goal in first-half stoppage time.

West Bromwich Albion climb to 14th after Saido Berahino’s 78th-minute goal secured a 1-0 home win over Hull City.

Burnley swapped relegation zone with Queens Park Rangers with a 2-1 home win over Harry Redknapp’s side.

Scott Arfield’s opener was cancelled out by a penalty from former Burnley striker Charlie Austin, but Danny Ings gave the hosts victory in the 37th minute.

West Ham United missed a chance to go fifth on the log after being held to a 1-1 draw at Swansea City.

Andy Carroll put the Hammers ahead in the 43rd minute with a arguably the goal of the day. The England forward controlled a high ball with his chest then he danced across the box before unleashing a left-foot shot into the top-right corner from 15 yards.

Alan Pardew’s first game as Crystal Palace manager ended in success as his team came from behind to beat Tottenham 2-1.

Harry Kane broke the deadlock for Spurs in the 49th minute but Dwight Gayle equalised for Palace in the 69th from the penalty spot after Benjamin Stambouli was adjudged to have tripped Joe Ledley. Gayle powered the penalty low to the right of Hugo Lloris, before Jason Puncheon put Palace ahead in the 80th.

In the day’s early kick-off, Liverpool failed to add to Lazar Markovic’s early goal but still emerged comfortable winners at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland.

ALL THE RESULTS

Burnley 2-1 QPR

Chelsea 2-0 Newcastle

Everton 1-1 Man City

Leicester 1-0 Aston Villa

Swansea 1-1 West Ham

Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool

West Brom 1-0 Hull

Crystal Palace 2-1 Tottenham