The Premier League was back in town this week as clubs from around the country fought hard for three points moving into the festive schedule of the English domestic league.
There were yet again a number of top quality match-ups between teams that hate to lose to each other but Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea were the only teams in the top 7 that managed a victory this weekend.
Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City all dropped points, losing ground at the top of the table. Here are 10 talking points from this Match Day 15 of the Premier League:
Mazzarri to Europe:
The Watford manager has made a super start to his campaign with the Hornets and is now in the now in the 7th place, just 3 points off a confirmed spot in the Europa League after their 3-2 victory over Everton at home this weekend. Goals from Prodl and Okaka were enough for Mazzari’s side even as Lukaku managed a brace on the night.
Arsenal keep marching:
The Gunners are now unbeaten in their last 14 league games and were on the winning side yet again this weekend as goals from Walcott, Ozil and Iwobi gave them a 3-1 victory over Stoke City on Saturday. Charlie Adam gave the Potters an early lead but they could not hold on to it and dropped all three points leaving Arsenal in the second place in the points table.
Back to winning ways for Dyche:
After three back to back losses that could have pushed Burnely into the relegation zone, Sean Dyche’s side managed to put three past the Cherries this weekend to take home all three points from this game. This win takes them 5 points clear of the drop zone.
Mkhi wins 3 points:
The Armenian winger has not been a regular starter for United yet but in the last few games, he has shown what he is capable of and scored the only goal and the winner in the crunch game for Manchester United against Tottenham this weekend. This win gives Manchester United a chance to fight back for a Champions League spot this season.
Campbell rescues the Eagles:
After a victory last weekend, Crystal Palace needed a last ditch equalizer, to take even a point, from their game against Hull City this week. Snodgrass, Diomande and Livermore were on target for the striker while Benteke and Zaha played their part for the Eagles in a remarkable thriller.
Guardiola gets King Power treatment:
Though not at their best this season, Claudio Ranieri’s English Champions were back to their previous best this week as they haunted Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, taking a 2 goal lead in 4 minutes and a 3 goal lead in 20 minutes this week. Jamie Vardy scored a hat-trick as Leicester City ran away 4-2 winners to move 4 points clear of the drop zone.
Swansea win six-pointer:
In what was a scrap for 6 points in a relegation battle this weekend, Swansea City managed to put in a superb performance at home against Sunderland as their 3-0 victory at the weekend will now take them to the 18th place, just a point away from safety. Moyes’ side stay bottom of the pile.
Costa to the rescue:
On a night where not much was happening for the Blues, Spanish striker Diego Costa, made all the difference with a poachers finish over West Brom, to score the only goal of the game and give Chelsea their 8th successive victory giving them a 3 point advantage at the top of the table. Antonio Conte will now know that it his title to lose this season.
Puel back to winning ways:
After a drubbing in the hands of Palace last weekend, the Saints were back to winning ways this weekend as a solitary goal from Soufiane Boufal was enough for them to take all three points from their home game against Middlesbrough this weekend. This win lifts them into the top half of the table.
Defensive errors leave Liverpool reeling:
The Reds made a superb start to the season but have now picked up just 5 points from their last 5 games, including their 2-2 draw against West Ham at the weekend. Payet and Antonio were on target for the Hammers between goals from Lallana and Origi leaving Liverpool 6 points adrift of the top of the table going into the busy fixtures schedule.