Arsenal against Chelsea was the pick of the action this week with both teams needing to pick up points to stay in touch with leaders United. Chelsea has been in terrible form and that continued after Arsenal staged countless attacks on the Chelsea goal. Eventually Chelsea succumbed to the pressure and Arsenal then scored 2 more goals to go 3-0 up in quick succession. Chelsea did manage to score a late goal however the damage was done to leave Chelsea in 4th position and in real danger of losing touch at the top of the league.
Manchester United went further ahead at the top of the table with a comfortable win over Sunderland at Old Trafford. A double from Berbatov was enough to earn United all 3 points and ensure a difficult second half of the season for the chasing pack. United have a tough trip to Birmingham next which will test their resilience.
Newcastle hosted in form Manchester City at St James Park. City asserted their dominance early with Barry and Tevez scoring before Tevez put the game beyond Newcastle with his second of the afternoon. City are now genuine title contenders and will look to stay strong during the difficult January period.
Aston Villa hosted Tottenham in a most entertaining match at Villa Park. Spurs were too strong for Villa and a Van Der Vaart brace gave Spurs all 3 points to keep their pressure on 4th spot going. Villa are now in serious trouble with some difficult upcoming fixtures.
In other Boxing Day matches West Ham stole a 6 pointer against Fulham with a brilliant come from behind victory over Fulham. Stoke City roughed out a physical encounter, winning 2-0 away at Blackburn. Bolton went to 6th with a 2-0 win over West Brom and Wigan won 2-1 away at Wolves.
Man Utd
37
Arsenal
35
Man City
35
Chelsea
31
Tottenham
30
Bolton
29
Sunderland
27
Stoke City
24
Newcastle
22
Liverpool
22
Blackpool
22
WBA
22
Blackburn
22
Everton
21
Aston Villa
20
Wigan Athletic
19
Birmingham
18
Fulham
16
West Ham Utd
16
Wolves
15