Manchester United united made it four games without victory as they played out a goalless draw against Southampton. It was a match in which United struggled to create in roads against a resolute Saints defence which was made even more difficult with the loss of talisman Lukaku early in the game after sustaining a head injury. United failed to create any clear chances late on, and the result means Jose Mourinho’s side are down to third in the Premier League after Chelsea moved up to second, while Saints are in 13th, two points off the drop zone.
It was smooth sailing at Stamford Bridge as five star Chelsea humiliated a struggling Stoke City side bereft by injuries. Antonio Rudiger set the tone as he placed a header into net in the fourth minute, while goals from Drinkwater (9), Pedro (24), Willian (74) and Davide Zappacosta (88) sent Chelsea into second above Manchester United. Meanwhile, Stoke, who were without defensive duo Ryan Shawcross and Kurt Zouma, have now conceded 49 goals this season – a league high – and remain just two points above the drop.
Mohamed Salah continued his impressive season as he scored twice to help Liverpool come from behind and beat Leicester 2-1 at Anfield on Saturday.
With £75m signing Van Dijk watching in the stands, Liverpool’s need for defensive improvement was highlighted in just the third minute as they lost possession around their own box and were punished by Jamie Vardy. Salah wasted two good chances to score before half-time, but made amends in the second half as he levelled in the 52nd minute and then netted the winner in the 76th minute. The victory will see Liverpool end 2017 in fourth position in the Premier League, while Salah has now scored 17 league goals – one fewer than leading scorer Harry Kane.
In other matches, Huddersfield held Burnley to a nil nil draw
Newcastle 0-0 Brighton
Bournemouth 2-1 Everton
Watford 1-2 Swansea
Matches continue today as Manchester City travel to Selhurst Park, and West Brom entertain Arsenal
