Chelsea continued their rich run of form with yet another win, while also managing a clean sheet. It was distress once again for Arsenal who were gunned down by Manchester City at the Etihad, while Tottenham, Manchester United and Southampton managed to win in gameweek 17. The Merseyside derby brought an end to an exciting week of football, with Liverpool running away victors.
#1 Chelsea showing Champions instinct
Chelsea equalled their club record of 11 consecutive wins in a row, although it was the first time that the Blues managed the feat in a single season. Antonio Conte’s side edged a 1-0 victory for the second week running, despite being far from their absolute best.
Diego Costa scored his 13th league goal of the season with a fine header to give Chelsea all three points against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. It was also the 10th time in the league that the Chelsea defence recorded a shutout, with Antonio Conte’s men looking formidable in all areas of the pitch.
Back-to-back home games against Bournemouth and Stoke will see out the year for Chelsea, although they will be without Costa and Kante for their next game.
#2 Manchester City turn things around in the second half to down Arsenal
Manchester City put in an impressive performance in the second half to inflict a second consecutive defeat to Arsenal of the week and move into third position on the table. The Gunners took the lead through Theo Walcott early on but seemed to take their foot off the gas from thereon.
The Sky Blues dominated possession of the football throughout the game but only found their equaliser at the start of the second half, before going on to score the winner. The Citizens were without Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho through suspension for the last two games but they still managed to find some resilience to keep their fight for the title in check.
Arsenal, on the other hand received heavy criticism for their performance in the second half, with star players like Mesut Ozil being especially poor. Arsene Wenger’s side have now gone down to their familiar fourth position and will need to find some much-required confidence in the upcoming weeks.
#3 Spurs and Leicester come from behind to gain vital points
Tottenham claimed two back-to-back wins in the week, and in the second game of the week, a strong performance helped them come from a goal down against Burnley. Ashley Barnes scored from close range to open the scoring against the run of play but Spurs showed that they are not to be written off just yet by getting right back in the game through a Dele Alli equaliser moments later. Danny Rose then thumped in the winner in the second half to help his team move closer to the top four.
Champions Leicester City had an even tougher task after they went a man down and came from two goals down to come back and rescue a point against Stoke City. Jamie Vardy was forced into an early bath after he received a controversial red card for a two-footed challenge. The Potters then scored a couple of goals to end the first half, as the title holders looked set to continue their slump.
But Claudio Ranieri sent on Leonardo Ulloa late in the second half and the Argentine got a goal back for Leicester with a good header. The Foxes showed tremendous spirit in the dying minutes of the game and got their equaliser two minutes from time. The point wasn’t enough to move them out of danger but will serve as a morale booster for their next few games.
#4 Important wins for bottom sides; Saints and Manchester United also win
Middlesbrough, Sunderland and West Ham United claimed crucial wins in the bottom half of the table to help them move to relative safety. Sunderland still remain in the relegation zone but have moved out from the bottom. The Black Cats have seen a rich run of form at home in recent weeks, while West Ham were extremely lucky to come away with their three points at home against Hull City.
Elsewhere, Manchester United recorded three straight wins on the trot to take them four points off a top four place. Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored both goals for the Red Devils in their 2-0 win over West Brom. The Swede has now netted 11 league goals in his first season in England.
Southampton also managed to keep pace with United who are right above them in the league. Jay Rodriguez netted a brace, while Ryan Bertrand scored the other in a 3-1 win over 10th placed Bournemouth. Chelsea loanee Nathan Ake grabbed a consolation for the Cherries in what was his third goal in his last six appearances.
#5 Merseyside derby spoils belong to Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool team made the short trip to Everton for the Merseyside derby and the Reds came out 1-0 winners thanks to a very late goal by Sadio Mane. It was the first time the Senegalese international came up against Ronald Koeman, the manager who brought him to the Premier League.
Everton started the better team but both teams struggled to keep the ball or create any clear-cut chances in the first half. Liverpool looked a rejuvenated side in the second half and dominated possession for the remainder of the game.
The Toffees were forced into a couple of changes due to injuries and Koeman would have gladly taken a point as the game drew to a close. But Mane’s eighth goal of the season meant that Liverpool would remain in second position at Christmas.
Crystal Palace 0-1 ChelseaMiddlesbrough 3-0 Swansea CityStoke City 2-2 Leicester CitySunderland 1-0 WatfordWest Ham United 1-0 Hull CityWest Brom 0-2 Manchester UnitedBournemouth 1-3 SouthamptonManchester City 2-1 ArsenalTottenham 2-1 BurnleyEverton 1-0 Liverpool
